SURPRISE!! Good News... Great Joy!
Have you ever been surprised? I mean really surprised. How did you feel? Startled? Excited? Inspired? Maybe even a little apprehensive?
Sometimes our greatest joy comes from the most unexpected moment. Such was the case on that star lit night when the angels surprised the shepherds. We know that initially the shepherds were afraid. The angel even told them "Fear not. For I bring you great news..." Great news that brought, and still brings great joy! Of course the Good News was the announcement of the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, the long awaited Messiah. What I love about this is that God chose to make this historic, life changing announcement first to the shepherds. A group of hard working common men that many overlooked and ignored. But not our God. He sees and knows the priceless value of all people - the prize of His creation.
In the same way that the shepherds were surprised, God will sometimes use our circumstances to surprise us. When this happens, let us embrace His plan with wonder, excitement, and joy. The joy that only comes from His presence in our lives. Sadly, for many, Joy is not something expected or experienced. Joy is not an emotion. It is so much more. It is a deeply rooted sense of well being - great pleasure. One that often passes understanding or logic.
True, lasting, life changing and enhancing joy comes from recognizing and knowing the one that the angels announce to the shepherds, Immanuel, Christ Jesus. And ultimate joy comes by accepting that gift of life - thru Jesus - life with purpose and meaning. A gift that fills our every moment with the joy that comes from the Lord, overflowing so much, that like the shepherds, we cannot help but share this Good News and Great Joy with all people!
Paul reminds us, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
Our world longs for and desperately needs joy, the real genuine JOY that is found only in Christ our Lord. Just like the shepherds, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to share this JOY with others. What a great time for someone to discover "JOY". So, what are some ways you can spread "Joy" this Holiday Season?
Claim the Joy that comes from Christ in your own life. (You cannot share what you do not have.)
Be intentional - Choose to be joyful and share happiness.
Practice gratitude - Give a genuine compliment, seasoned with a smile.
Pay it forward - Focus on "giving" rather than "getting"
Count your blessings, then give one to someone else
"Joy to the World, the Lord has come!" Let us contagiously share this with others. What a great surprise it would be if you shared with someone about the Good News, and they too, maybe for the first time, received and experienced "Great Joy"!
Tomorrow is going to be special. I look forward to worshipping and celebrating with you. And more than ever, know that ...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"Celebrating 175 Years of Ministry"