ARE YOU LIVING A LIFE OF JOY AND HAPPINESS, OR IS SOMETHING MISSING?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you
good news of great joy which will come to all the people. For to you
is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord!”
(Luke 2:10-11)

MEDITATION:
During the Christmas season many churches have plays to remind us
of the importance of the birth of Jesus. Choirs rehearse for months to
provide some of the best music they can. Church members practice
their parts, so the plays will be flawless.

Many of the plays depict real life situations where someone needs help.
Perhaps they are in a destitute state of their life, or maybe they have
emotional or relational issues. Some may be living a life of sin that they
think is fun, but something is missing in their lives. In all instances, we
are witnesses to some actors depicting someone who needs the Lord.

The truth is, whether we choose to believe it or not, we all need the Lord
to be an active part of our lives. When He lives in us, we discover new levels
of peace and joy, but when the Lord doesn’t live in us, we will continue with
our search for ‘real’ peace and joy.

Some of the churches try to reenact the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus.
They include shepherds in the field, three kings bringing gifts, angels, and
of course Mary and Joseph. If you have seen one (or more) of these plays,
then you may recall the scene where the shepherds are tending their sheep,
when an angel appeared out of nowhere.

The first words from the angel’s mouth were, “Do not be afraid”. It seems
that he wanted to calm them, so they could absorb the next thing he would
tell them. Have you absorbed what the angel said next? He gave them (and us)
the reason for the birth of Jesus, and the impact He would have on the world.

First, the angel said he had “good news” and then he told them why it was
good news. The birth of Jesus would “cause great joy for all people” (that
includes you and me). It’s true, isn’t it? The birth of Jesus meant hope for
the hopeless. He was the Messiah many were looking for, and He would be
the Savior for everyone in the world (for then and for now). That’s a special
kind of good news which should bring great joy into the hearts of everyone.

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – Am I living a life of happiness, or do I feel something is missing?
    – Has Jesus brought great joy into my life?
       If the answer is, “No”, then have I failed to invite Him into my life?
       Or, have I failed to surrender my will to His will?

If we want to experience and enjoy a fulfilled life, then it starts with
creating a relationship with the Lord. If we don’t have a relationship
with Him – when do we plan to create one? Fellowshipping with the
Lord means a fulfilled life now, and the avoidance of an eternity of
agony at the end of one’s earthly life.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus. His birth
means that my life can improve and I can look forward to
being with Him in eternity. Forgive me if I have failed to ask
forgiveness for my sins and invite Him into my life. I confess
to You right now that I am a sinner and am destined to an
eternal separation from the Lord. I ask for forgiveness of my
sins, I believe that Jesus went to the cross for me, and I am
now asking Him to come into my life. I look forward to the
new life I will enjoy from this day forward. Thank You, Jesus,
for all that You have done for me, and everyone else. Show me
how to live a life of righteousness and to serve You in whatever
way You want me to, so that I can let Your love flow through me
to others I meet.”

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