Hello! Welcome to Go Be Radiant! I’m in the midst of a 4-week Christmas devotional series on Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. If you missed last week’s post, you can find it here. These devotionals are written for the whole family, so feel free to gather ’round and read them together.
Have you ever noticed what happens when people see a little baby? Their faces absolutely light up! Whether the baby is sweetly sleeping in his mother’s arms or eagerly taking in his surroundings, people can’t help but smile. Babies have a way of bringing tremendous joy to those around them.
This is one of my bundles of joy when he was a baby.
Do you think baby Jesus brought joy to those around Him too? I believe He did. But there was something extra special about the joy He brought. It was not only going to be for those near Him, but even for those far away. It was going to be for ALL people.
Right after Jesus was born, an angel appeared to some shepherds watching their flock at night. “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11.
Why did Jesus’ birth cause such joy? Because His birth meant a promise had been fulfilled. Many, many years before, God promised to send someone who would “…proclaim good news to the poor,” and who would “…bind up the brokenhearted.” This person would also “…proclaim freedom for the captives.” Isiah 61:1. This was good news indeed!
The shepherds had to go see this baby that the angel had told them about. When they had witnessed, with their own eyes, this special baby boy, their hearts must have been filled with joy. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:20.
We know that this miraculous baby grew up to be a man and when He did, He had an important job to do. He would willingly give His life so that we could be with Him forever in heaven. As you can imagine, the disciples were grieved when Jesus died but their grief would turn to joy. Why? Because Jesus defeated death and rose from the grave! Another promise had been fulfilled!
Soon, it was time for Jesus to return to heaven and just before doing so, He blessed the disciples. “While He was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” Luke 24:51-52.
Why were the disciples joyful even though Jesus had left? Because they had the joy of knowing that their Lord was preparing a place for them and He was at the right hand of the Father, exactly where He was supposed to be. No one could ever take that joy from them.
The same is true for us. However, sometimes we don’t feel joyful because of difficult circumstances in our lives. If that’s true for you right now, take a few minutes and share how you have joy in Jesus even when things are hard.
Let’s turn our focus outward. Can you think of someone you know who needs joy in their life? Why not take a few minutes and write them a note of encouragement? I’m sure coloring a picture for them would also brighten their day. Another idea is to have a craft night with friends and use the word JOY in your craft, making a point to share the joy you have in Jesus.
The next time you see a baby, remember the joy we have in Jesus. Wishing you a joy-filled Christmas!
Go Be Radiant 