The Joy of Christmas - Dec. 21st
The Joy of Christmas - Dec. 21st
Rich Trotter
Charles Spurgeon, the great, well-known preacher, once said about Christmas, “This is the season of the year when, whether we like it or not, we are compelled to think of the birth of Christ.”
Spurgeon then continued by referring to the familiar Bible passage in Luke 2:8-12. In this portion of Scripture, an angel of the Lord says to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, “I bring you good news of great joy!” Yet as Spurgeon rightly pointed out, every word in the angel’s proclamation is to be emphasized. Spurgeon reminded us that the joy spoken of by the messenger from heaven “was no little joy, and was not news of joy only, but was good news of great joy.”
We can surely imagine, no doubt, that Spurgeon could hardly contain himself when speaking of this good news. “Well then, here is joy upon joy!” he exclaimed.
So then, what is the good news of great joy that the angel, and Spurgeon in turn, were talking about?
In Spurgeon’s words, “Here is the subject of your joy: The God who made you, and against whom you have offended, has come down from heaven and taken upon Himself your nature that He might save you. He has come in the fullness of His glory and the infinity of His mercy that He might redeem you. Do you not welcome this news? Will not your heart be thankful for this? Does this matchless love awaken no gratitude?”
Spurgeon went on to conclude, “Oh, I pray you adore the incarnate God, and trust in Him. Then you will bless the Lord for delivering you from the wrath to come, and as you lay hold of Jesus and find salvation in His name, you will tune your songs to His praise, and exult with sacred joy.” (These sermon excerpts are from a sermon he delivered on December 24, 1871.)
In the midst of our cultural obligations of the Christmas season, we can often find festive joy and colorful joy in the holiday spirit. Many times we can also find joy in giving and receiving special gifts. And we can certainly find deep joy in the gathering of family and close friends.
But once again in the words of Charles Spurgeon, “The greatest joy is to those who know Christ as Savior.” This is a joy that is not dependent on circumstances. This is a joy that will not fade away, but will last for eternity. This is a joy that is found only in the new-born King of kings, Prince of Peace, and Lord of lords. Surely Jesus is indeed the true joy of Christmas.
Read and reflect on the following passages: Isaiah 9:6, 1 Timothy 6:11-16.