“I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2 10-11
Christmas Day should be a powerful reminder of the source of true joy. I say this because in our world there are countless sources of joy that are mere counterfeits of real, true enduring joy. These counterfeits of joy or happiness tend to be at best, mere moments of pleasure in our brief lives. Joy found and experienced from these sources depend on fleeting humanity to maintain.
Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with these brief moments of enjoyment. As a matter of fact God created us to enjoy and to find happiness and contentment in our work, relationships and the world around us.
But my challenge is; if you took away all those temporary sources of happiness, what would you have left? Can I suggest, many would discover how completely bankrupt oftrue and lasting joy they really long for.
In other words, the world and all it offers (good & bad) does not give true joy and abiding happiness – because it only offers a counterfeit happiness found in Jesus Christ alone. Augustine of old once said in his confessions; "True happiness is to rejoice in the truth, for to rejoice in the truth is to rejoice in You, O God, who are the truth… Those who think that there is another kind of happiness look for joy elsewhere, but theirs is not true joy.” [Grace Quotes]
This Christmas let us find the true source of lasting joy that has eternal value. Let us by faith believe and rejoice in the Saviour who is the Lord Jesus Christ, born to die, so that sinners might know the eternal salvation of God.
When we personally know and experience this source of true joy, all other sources become secondary. It is then we will be enabled to ‘glorify God and enjoy Him forever’. Happy Christmas and may God bless and keep you throughout the New Year!