GREAT Joy!

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Joy. Not just any joy, but GREAT joy! That really is Good News. And that’s what the angels told the shepherds, who were watching over their flocks by night, that first Christmas. “Good News of GREAT joy.”

What was the Good News? A Savior was born. What brings the great joy? Being saved. Saved! What could be more joyful than that? If you have ever been lost somewhere, or trapped by something, and then saved from it, you know what great joy is all about. 

There are many things that can rob you of joy just like the Grinch who stole Christmas; a “thief” who does everything in his power to “steal, kill, and destroy” [see John 10.10]. One remedy for the loss of joy is to remember the Good News: You have “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” 

Just think what that Savior has done for you. He has:

1. Saved you from a dark past. You don’t have to be beaten down with the guilt and shame of your past. All of that was taken care of by the Savior. Nothing you have done is a match for the blood of Christ shed for you on the cross. 

2. Saved you from an empty present. As a Christ follower, you are no longer merely surviving, you’re living an abundant life [see John 10.10]. When we follow Jesus, He leads us in a way that our lives have meaning and purpose. Especially as we touch other people with the love and joy of the Savior.

3. Saved you from a hopeless future. Know God. Know hope. Our Savior assured His followers that He is preparing a future home for them [John 14.1-3]. I’d like to tell you about it, but “eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither has it entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” [1 Corinthians 2.9]. Oh my! The things in store for those who are saved!

The Savior came. He came for you. Rejoice with great joy!

And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2.10-11