In Luke 2:8-10 we read: “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the elds and keeping watch over their ock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly fright- ened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;”

These verses remind us that the announcement, Jesus the Mes- siah and Savior had been born, was good news for all of mankind and it was intended to produce great joy. His coming brought hope and help to our fallen and broken world. Je- sus came to remove our alienation and to take our place, paying the debt we owed and could never ever repay so that we might become part of the family of God.

Of course what was true at the time of the angels’ announcement is just as true, just as signi cant to- day. You know this reality can and should be producing great joy in every believer’s life. In a very real sense, every day can be Christmas, because the heart of Christmas is the fact that a Savior has been born. Love provided a way for us to be delivered from our sin. Love stepped into the picture and pro- vided a gift, Jesus, God’s only be-

gotten Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Friends, we shouldn’t need a holiday to remind us of God’s great gift, especially when we recognize that this is a never-ending gift. And if we choose to live in the reality of God’s gift and His amazing love for us we can nd great joy and peace no matter what we may be up against. Click here for more...