True Christmas Joy!

As we enter the peak of the Christmas celebration, I want to share with you a thought that has blessed my season. In our couple's class recently, our lesson was from Luke 2, the Christmas story. It was noted that the shepherds experienced a change in their attitude toward God that symbolizes the very heart of salvation. When the angel of the Lord came upon them, the Word says they were afraid. The shepherds naturally feared any presence of angels as they represented a God who had shown His wrath upon the earth in times past. They feared for their very lives. But the angel said, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy." "Fear not." The angel represented the coming of faith in place of fear. Because of Christ, we no longer have any reason to fear God, as in being frightened of Him. Instead, we can rejoice knowing that He is a God of mercy and love, providing His Son for us to bring us into a peaceful relationship with Him. Because of His great mercy, we should have great joy! As we remember the birth of our Savior, let us be mindful of the peace we now have with God because of His great love for us; and, with a heart of gratitude, let us embrace an attitude of true Christmas joy!