Jesus
Luke 2:4-20
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, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Do you remember where it all began? God created the whole world and called it very good. God delighted in the world, the plants, the animals, the people. People turned away from God to try to seize power and knowledge in their own way, but God never turned his back on the people. Through all of the pain and sadness that life sometimes brings, we know that deep and lasting joy is what we’re made for. That’s what comes through Jesus. As the angels announce, the birth of Jesus is “good news of great joy for all people”. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is the start of a new era of creation and although we haven’t yet reached the fullness of the new creation, we can rest in the good news of great joy here and now. As you celebrate Christmas Day, take some time to reflect on the joy that you have experienced this year and the ways that you have been able to share that joy with others.
Prayer:
Thank God for the birth of Jesus and the good news of great joy. Share with God some of the things that have brought you joy this year and ask God to give you more opportunities to talk about and experience joy in the days and months ahead.

