The Treasure of Joy

Luke 2:16-20

Verse 19  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

    One reason we should find joy in Christmas is because we can find Christ in Christmas.  When we focus on the real reason for celebrating this season, we will see opportunities to see His story anew.  Since most of us have heard this story of Christ’s birth so many times, we often read it or listen to it without paying much attention.  We don’t allow the joy of the event to be reawakened in us.

    One thing we can do to spark the truth of the Christmas story is to actually take time with it.  Read it while reflecting on each verse, really thinking about how the story unfolded.  Pausing for a minute to think about what a young teen thought about being told she was going to be pregnant and not married to the man she was waiting for.  Where was she to find joy?  Or maybe stopping to think about what Joseph thought about it when she told him and then being visited by an angel in a dream to tell him to still marry the girl.  How was he to find joy?

    A decree from the ruling government to travel 70 miles late in her pregnancy so they could be counted to be taxed.  Not something that screams “Joy!”  There are so many moments like this in the story of Christmas and God brought them through every one to bring us the greatest joy possible.

    The truth is that Christmas would mean nothing without Easter.  If it wasn’t for Jesus dying on Good Friday and rising again on Easter Sunday, Christmas would be just another day.  And though December 25^th is probably nowhere near the correct date, it doesn’t take away the significance and joy of the day being celebrated.  We aren’t really celebrating Jesus’ birth as much as we are celebrating Jesus coming to die for our sins and rising again to conquer death so we can live eternally with Him.  Now that is a reason for joy!  Let’s make the joy of His presence in our lives evident to everyone we meet.

Making It Personal

    When was the last time you spent some intentional time studying the Christmas story?  What part stands out to you?  Do you ponder the things that Christ has done in your life?

Making It Personal Kids

    What is your favorite part of the Christmas story?  Which person in the story had the most joy?  Why is joy important at Christmas?

Closing Prayer

    Father, we thank You that You went through all that effort to bring joy to the world.  May Your joy be evident in our lives every day, not just at Christmas.  In Jesus’ name, amen.