In Luke 1:30 the angel told Mary, “Do not be afraid,” and told her about the baby that she will carry. The Savior of the world. The “joy to the world” that the song is all about.
Call me Captain Obvious, but that is no small assignment.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” lyrics played in Kohls as I observed a long line of tired and impatient looking people.
Call me Captain Obvious again, but the song lyrics sure didn’t match my observations.
I have to say while many circumstances of this past month may not feel particularly happy in the world, I do see a deep, residing joy in the lives of many people who have every reason not to:
*A friend standing by her father as they share their very last moments together on earth…but she’s trusting God.
*A friends’ brother entered drug rehab, again…but she’s trusting God.
*A family that’s been jobless for months…but they’re trusting God. The same family whose mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer…but they’re trusting God.
*A couple faces a cancer diagnosis for the third time…but they’re trusting God.
*A friend heartbroken because “the one” wasn’t “the one”…but she’s trusting God.
“Joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of the Lord,” were the wise words my friend Nancy spoke during a phone conversation years ago.
You can feel sad, afraid, scared or even crazy and still have a deep residing joy.
After Jesus was crucified, the women outside of Jesus’ tomb were “…afraid yet filled with joy.” (Matthew 28:8) In the next two verses, “Jesus met them.” Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.”
I no longer see the contradiction in feeling afraid, yet having a deep residing joy because I know the Joy Giver…Jesus meets us where we’re at. He’s cool like that.
If you find yourself feeling so-so about the Christmas season, I want to encourage you today. “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy…” (Luke 2:10)
The Good News is that when you know Jesus, you’ll know joy when your mind says you really shouldn’t.
If you have someone who has had some bad news this month, leave a comment (with or without their name) and I promise to pray for you or them.
Do you see joy in the world? Where?
If you were a Super Hero, what would your name be?
