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Today’s devotional is from our Songs of Advent Devotional, written by members of CBC. This week’s devotional, Joy, was written by Mark and Lora Rohrbough.
Download the devotional and study guide (and share with someone) here- Songs of Advent
JOY
LUKE 2:1-17
Even fIn those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child
DEVOTIONAL
“Do not be afraid.I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
WOW! What a birth announcement – from fear to joy at the news of the long-awaited Messiah. The most significant event in history had just happened, and the news came first to the most humble of humans to emphasize that he comes to all – no extraordinary qualifications needed – just a heart humble enough to accept him. Now, if that doesn’t bring JOY, I’m not sure what would. What can be done with joyful news like this? Well, the shepherds took this good news and ran to see the baby; then they spread the word. Eventually, they returned to their work and ordinary lives, but they were forever changed because of the arrival of Jesus and the promise God had fulfilled. Are we following suit this Christmas season? Are we sharing this joy we know – this joy we have – in our lives?
What is joy? It’s so much bigger than happiness or feeling good. It’s an emotion that comes from within and transforms us. Sometimes we shout it loudly, which exudes from our entire soul, such as when we hold our children for the first time. When you think of this, it’s easy to understand the shepherds “glorifying and praising.”
What about when we experience feelings of sadness or melancholy at Christmas, as some do for a variety of reasons? Where can our joy be found? It’s just like the song says…down in our hearts! The joy that comes from the arrival of Jesus in our life is a constant. Something planted deep within that changes us for the better; a silent comfort based on a promise. The arrival of Jesus brought a worshipful joy that could not be contained, and this same joy should not end with us. Although our earthly life may be filled with tough situations, we have a joyful expectation to cling to; the mystery revealed (Colossians 1:27) of Christ in us and these comforting words from Psalm 16:11; You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence.
Jesus brought joy to the world in his first coming to earth as a baby, and He will bring joy to the world when he comes again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16) Emmanuel – God with us- is truly “glad tidings” for humanity. I heard joy once described as the “gigantic secret of the Christian.” Let’s be diligent in our communication to share this joy and rejoice in his birth, his presence in our lives, his gift of salvation, and our hope of heaven.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- It has been said that joy is not the same as happiness. How would you define and characterize joy? What is happiness dependent upon? What about joy?
- Happiness fades, but joy transforms. This is true in the narrative of the shepherds and many others throughout scripture. These shepherds were transformed, and their devotion changed. Where have you seen similar stories of transformation because of the joy in Christ?
- Many would agree that there is a sense of fear and anxiety in the hearts of many in our world. The coming of Christ brings a joy that casts out that fear. Does the life you live communicate this same kind of joy?
- When they encountered Jesus, they walked away with a message of joy that they shared with everyone. Who needs to hear this story of the good news of great joy for everyone? Will you share it with them?
- How can you be a better conduit of joy during this Advent season?