The Uniqueness of JesusSample

Our Joy Unending

‘Joy to the world, the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King!’

This is perhaps the most famous Christmas song ever, but did you know that these lyrics were written by an English minister and hymn writer 302 years ago? His name was Isaac Watts and, though he didn’t intend for it to be a Christmas hymn, his lyrics capture the essence of Jesus’ birth:

Jesus’ birth is truly a source of great joy for us all!

Today’s passages tell the wondrous story of how a group of shepherds first heard of the Messiah’s arrival. Can you picture this scene in your mind? A group of shepherds were keeping the night watch out in the fields. Then suddenly, an angel appears before them and tells them that after years of waiting for the Messiah, He has finally arrived! Though they were terrified, the angel assures them that he’s got good news and that there will be great joy.

The arrival of any baby is usually a joyful experience, but the arrival of this baby was particularly joyful because of what the angel had told the shepherds. Jesus was not just any baby – He was the Lord, the Messiah, the Promised One.

The shepherds’ joy was utterly dependent on who Jesus was to them, and this is the same for us. Our joy comes from knowing who Jesus is.

John Piper describes joy in this way: “Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” Jesus is our beautiful Saviour, the One who brings us the good news of His salvation.

This good news prompted the shepherds to action. They immediately went to see the source of their joy. And when they had seen Jesus, they went out to spread the word of His arrival. Such news was too good for the shepherds to keep to themselves. They wanted everyone to know that the Messiah had finally arrived.

Just like the shepherds, our joy in Jesus should propel us to share the good news with others. As we share about Jesus with joy, others will be amazed at who He is and what He has done.

This Christmas, we pray that you would be filled to overflowing with joy in Jesus Christ, and that this joy would lead you to share the wonderful news of your beautiful Saviour and friend.

Reflection

Which truth about joy do you need to meditate on or cling to today?

Prayer

Jesus,

You are my joy. I long to see more of Your beauty. I pray that more of Your joy would be produced in me through the Holy Spirit as I get to know you more.

Thank You that the news of Your arrival brought the shepherds great joy! Thank You that the good news of Your salvation continues to bring great joy to people today. I pray that I would not be someone who keeps this joy for myself, but that I would be someone who shares the good news with others, so that they too may experience Your joy.

Thank You for this day that I get to celebrate and worship You. I love You Jesus, my Joy.

In Your mighty and beautiful name, I pray, Amen.