Written by Anna McCay

That night in the fields near Bethlehem, the host of angels, although terrifying, declared to have good news of great joy for the shepherds. The lowly workers were given an opportunity to take part in history. They were given a reason to sing, a reason to look past their circumstance, and revel at the Savior that finally came. Not only did the angels declare this to the shepherds, but also they said it was “great joy for ALL the people.” For all the people? Really? What does a baby have to do with me?

We remember this season of Advent, not because a random baby was born in the Middle East 2,000 years ago, but because, as Believers, we remember the anticipation of God’s people awaiting their King, their Savior, their Deliverer who came humbly in a manger to save ALL people. What Joy!! As we await His second coming, we are overcome with the Joy we get when we realize that He never left us.

Christmas is a time that brings me great Joy. I love the time I get to spend with family and friends as we reminisce about the year past, or tell funny stories. We play in the snow and look at the magical lights and sing carols and play games and give gifts. It is a feeling of nostalgia mixed with remembering what is most important in life. Life has not always been perfect, but it doesn’t mean that the Joy I have felt has been any less. Joy is not determined by how we feel, thank God. It is determined on who Jesus is and what He did.

For some of you, this may be the first Christmas without your Father, or Grandmother. There may be an illness in the family, or a lost friendship. It seems ludicrous for me to tell you to be happy about it, but because of Jesus, it is possible to have Joy. It is the indescribable feeling of hope despite the mess in our lives.

We celebrate Emmanuel- God with us. There is nothing more Joyful than that!

Thank you Baby Jesus!

Cheers!