The True JOY of Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…’ as the song goes.

Christmas is such a special time as we decorate the tree, hang the wreath on the door, wrap presents and fill the stockings. We make gingerbread cookies for sharing with family and friends as the familiar sound of carols waltz in on the airwaves. The smell of pine and fruit cake. Lights and tinsel. Excited children counting down the days … Christmas is nearly here!

But Christmas is more than presents and sparkly trees. The joy of Christmas goes deeper than the taste of gingerbread, the happiness on a child’s face, or the time spent with family. It is the deeper mystery and meaning of Christ’s birth.

And while most people think of Christmas with a sweet little baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger—stories of sheep and shepherds, angels and singing, wise men and gifts bringing joy to our heart—the joy of Christmas comes from why Jesus was born in the first place. It comes from what Jesus came to do. He didn’t come simply to be a precious baby. He came to be our Messiah, our Saviour. He came to bring forgiveness for our sins and give us eternal life with him.

This is good news, wonderful news, which fills our hearts with awe and wonder.

Like the shepherds in the fields, we should rejoice at the announcement the choir of angels brought, ‘But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” ’ (Luke 2:10–11).

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, let us ponder that this baby was born for the purpose of our redemption and forgiveness of our sins.

This is the true joy of Christmas.

words Captain Rachel Montgomery