“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
This time of year, more than any other, makes me think of joy. From the music, to the decorations, the Christmas pageants and manger scenes, joy fills the air. It is electric, even contagious, as we experience the anticipation building each day until we reach Christmas Day — the birth of our Savior.
This “good news of great joy” entailed Jesus stepping down from His Heavenly throne to enter our human world through a manger. What a sacrifice! All to reconcile a lost world to a Holy God. When Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sin, it makes this joy very personal, even priceless. To consider that my joy was at the expense of His comfort and sacrifice makes me value it all the more. The birth of Jesus has led to my joy because it not only saves me from my impossible sin debt, it shows me how to live a selfless life.
I think one of the best ways to show gratitude for this gift of good news that brings such joy is to share it with others, using the same virtue as Jesus did- selflessness.
As I focus my thoughts more on others and less on myself, I stay rooted in the true meaning of the season rather than the consumerism that the world seeks to define the holidays. The hustle and bustle of trying to find the perfect gift melts away when I realize that “time” is actually the perfect gift. When I give of myself to others, serving them as Jesus came to serve, loving them lavishly, then that is the gift that keeps on giving.
-Gretchen Fleming
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