Good News of Great Joy

 There is nothing quite like the look on the face of a child who opens a gift he has been longing for. One favorite family story that is retold nearly every Christmas happened when my brother-in-law was just a tike. After opening a special present this little boy shouted out, "Just what me always wanted!"

The eyes of children seem to hold special magic at Christmas. The excitement they feel can't be contained. It spills over into bouncing and jumping and hugging. There is true joy. Though there is joy in getting something you love, there is even greater joy in finding that perfect gift that you know is just right. 

Christmas joy is the cooing and smiles of a baby resting in your arms. Christmas joy flows on the face of a grandparent when the family gathers together. There is Christmas joy when that independent college-aged son or daughter comes home for holiday break. It is receiving a card from a friend you haven't heard from in a few years.

"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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger," (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).

This Christmas, the words of the song, "Mary Did You Know" have really touched my heart. The song as performed by Pentatonix is especially beautiful.

"Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm the storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm the storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb (Lamb) Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am?"

Oh, God, thank You for creating the beautiful Christmas story that we share again and again, generation to generation. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a baby that changed the trajectory of the sinful world. Heavenly Father, the joy of the birth of Your Son fills our hearts this Christmas and every Christmas. Your gift to us shows Your Great Love for us all. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.