Day One

by Julia Summerlin

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. … When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” -Luke 2:10-15

“Good news of great joy”

How often do I experience great joy?

I know this good news, this gospel for all people. I personally know this Baby born “in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” And yet, how much does my life reflect great joy?

These shepherds understood that knowledge and feelings were not enough. Their behavior had to change. Action was required. “Let us go” and see this good news. “Let us go” and see the Source of this great joy. “Let us go” and personally see this Baby, a Savior, our Savior, my Savior.

The shepherds’ story is my story because someone shared “good news of great joy” with me. My heavenly host wasn’t composed of angels but of parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, ministers, and more who shared this good news. They gave me directions to the Christ child who is the source of all love, all joy, all peace, and so many more gifts. Like the shepherds, I chose to “go and see” and believe this good news. The Spirit of Almighty God is alive in me, definitely good news, and the fruit of the Spirit is joy, great joy.

During Advent season and every season of our life, it is imperative that we go and see our Savior, that we spend time with our Father. Whether it is through daily Advent readings, Bible study, prayer, or celebration, the more time we spend with our Savior the more our knowledge and understanding of this good news grows. As a result of this growth we become increasingly more aware of the great joy within us.

So, how often do I experience great joy?

Maybe the question is how often do I “go and see”?

PRAYER

Father, we praise you with great joy for Your good news to mankind. We thank you that you call us to relationship with you. May our awareness of your great joy within us grow as we celebrate this Advent season.