Joy to This World

“And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom shall be no end.” (Luke 1:33)

When we celebrate family members' birthdays, do we drag out the family photo albums or digital devices and display their baby pictures? Doubtful, or on rare occasions. The only portraits of Jesus as a baby or an adult are artists’ imaginative renditions of Him. We don’t celebrate Christmas as another year in the life of Jesus, but the fact that God stepped down from glory and came to earth, born of a virgin, clothed in human flesh as a baby, to save us, fulfilling prophecy.

Remembering Jesus’ humble yet glorious coming is a joyous time to celebrate, but as we do, we must not forget, Jesus was born to die for our freedom. He didn’t stay a baby in the stable, the Messiah on the cross, or lifeless in the tomb. He grew into a man, lived a sinless life, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and raised Himself from the dead as King of kings and Lord of lords to reign forever in His Kingdom that has no end, and one day soon is coming back. That, my friends, is the most excellent news of joy to this world, broken and desperately in need of a Savior. If you haven’t received God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the gift that cost God His Son’s life, ask Him this minute to forgive you of your sins and invite Him into your life. Only then will you rejoice when He returns.