A Great Joy

“In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

“And [the shepherds] went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:8-14,16-20

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Hebrews 12:1-3

The night of joy was a night of many contrasts. Into thick darkness the glory of the Lord broke and shone. Silent calm became loud fear. Trepidation was met with good news, and confusion was assuaged with promise. Mildly keeping watch turned to running with haste, and then the shepherds saw the Shepherd. God in the highest become babe in a manger. Wonder of wonders! Internal reflection burst forth in rejoicing and praise. These contrasts announce and picture our Savior with us, the infinite perfect God-man who broke through time and space to change the world and upend our destiny.

Our day to days are peppered with darkness and gloom of circumstance and heart. We busy ourselves with productive work, watching over our fields of duty, family, and ministry. We immerse ourselves in the temporal, and flirt with stress and fear of the unexplained and unknown.

Christmas is the celebration of the Eternal’s entrance into that existence, bringing great and inexplicable joy and meaning to our flock of cares. As we watch over responsibilities, do we look up to see His glory? How attuned are we to the reminders of His presence, His ministry in our lives, the hope He offers? How willing are we to lay aside our entanglements and tasks to run to behold Him? To adore Him, and then go tell He is here? What difference is our Lord Jesus making in our manner and work and outlook today?

Lord, may great joy identify me and my service, so You are seen and exalted.