The Gifts of Christmas

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."- Luke 2:8‭-‬12 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

Is our Christianity truly joyful? Or are we faking it? Is it a struggle to have joy? The core of Christianity is joy.

The joy of Christmas comes from the Good News of the baby Jesus coming to a broken world.

The shepherds are outsiders. They are outcasts from society. But in a flash of light, angels appear and proclaim the birth of Christ. The first reaction is one of fear and anxiety. It had been a long time since Israel had heard from God whether prophet or judge. So the people were afraid. Hence the first words of the angel, fear not! And immediately followed by the proclamation of joy.

God has sent salvation in his son. God is working out redemption, salvation, and restoration. With a backdrop of suffering, sin, and pain, we see a great joy come. So it still is today. So in the midst of stress, anxiety, rushing, and pain, we still have this great joy. Jesus has lived the perfect life and died for our sins. So we have eternal life and a perfect restored relationship with God.

How can we increase our joy?
+ Learn how to delay your gratification this season
+ Get rid of unhealthy comparison and competition in your life