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Good news of Great Joy (Luke 2:10)


Scripture of the Day: Luke 2: 10-11

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Note: my church is putting together an advent devotional, so this is a little bit of “Christmas in July” if you will – with the focus being advent.

The four weeks of advent describe exactly how I think of Jesus. Jesus is our hope. Jesus is our love. Jesus is our joy. Jesus is our peace.

Now that we feel all warm and fuzzy, let us delve into this concept of Jesus as the joy of the world! Joy is a positive word in and of itself. The word “great” can even be used in its definition. So the fact that the angel said “great joy” should tell us something! The birth of Jesus isn’t just good news. It isn’t even just great news. It is the best news that has ever been! What adds even another level to that “good news of great joy” is that it is not meant for a select few. That news and that joy is for all people!

And that joy is certain. The timing is unknown, but the truth remains. The joy of Jesus “will be for all the people.” As the song “Joy to the World,” tells us: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King, let every heart prepare Him room!”

Jesus will be your joy, but you have to make room for him in your heart. When you fill your heart up with earthly things, or worries, or jealousy, or, or or – you do not leave room for the joy of Jesus to fit in. Please make him some room. I dare to say that when you make more room for Jesus in your heart, your heart grows so that it can contain more “space” than ever existed before!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus came as joy, and not anger or sadness. Please help us remember that the very first announcement from the angels about Jesus’ birth was one of Joy. Help us look to Jesus to add joy to our own lives and give us encouragement to help spread the joy of Jesus to others. Amen.

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