Jubilant Joy

Christmas had come to Indiana. My parents and I were Christmas shopping and into the seemingly “everlasting search” to find a parking place. This, as you know has its own set of challenges – especially during the holiday season! I was quite a bit younger than I am now, yet even so, there is a scene stamped vividly in my memory. We were slowly driving down a row, when all of the sudden, a car whipped around and sailed into a parking place. The next thing we knew, someone else had jumped out of their car, and was really “giving it to them” verbally. The funny thing was, there was another parking place open – not too far away – but any joy this person may have had was long gone and anger was blinding them to opportunities right in front of them! As I recall, the open parking place was even closer to the store!

It seems like the busier we get, the more crammed our schedules become, the more gifts we feel we have to “buy” – the further we seem to stray from the “jubilant joy” Christmas still contains. “The Spirit of Christmas” brings jubilant joy! Announcing His birth – the angel certainly couldn’t whisper. “The angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Luke 2:10&11 (NLT) And although the “telling” began with one angel – it couldn’t stay that way for long! Luke 2:13 tells us, “Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” (NLT)

The “jubilant joy” couldn’t be contained! The shepherds went of RUNNING to find out for themselves that what the angels were saying was true. They found the source of the “jubilant joy” Himself, Jesus, humbly wrapped in white strips of cloth, lying in a manger full of hay – just as the angel had said.

What happened then? Guess what – they didn’t leave there quietly living out the fact they had seen the Messiah! They couldn’t keep it to themselves! They had to share it! “Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished . . .” Luke 2:17&18 (NLT)

I well remember when our fourth child was born. It had been a difficult waiting period – as he was “overdue.” By the time he made his appearance, all of the family was very happy, but none can compare with the priceless look on the face of our daughter. She had just turned six, and thankfully, someone snapped a picture of her when she saw her baby brother for the first time. Her mouth flew wide open, and her eyes were “big as saucers.” This was no baby doll; this was a real, live baby that had somehow shown up to be part of their family! Her expression is one of amazement, and joy.

When Jesus was born, wherever that news was taken, believed, and met with acceptance – there was joy. Jubilant joy! When He was eight days old he was taken to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Simeon was led by the Spirit that day to be there. When Simeon took Jesus in his arms he praised God first. Then he blessed Joseph and Mary and said to Mary, “This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing, but he will be the greatest joy to many others.” Luke 2:34 (NLT)

At this Christmas time – let’s RECEIVE Jesus. We can let Him know our hearts are open to Him and He can make His home in us. He is welcome – we want Him to be our Jubilant Joy – our Savior – the Lord of our lives.

 By Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“The angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!” Luke 2:10 (NLT)