LOOKING FORWARD TO JOY
Luke 2:4–14
The average American spends $1,000 yearly on Christmas presents for family and friends. Close to half of Americans will go into debt to finance their holiday purchases. Some gifts will be memorable while others will be forgettable. Gifts can be well planned and thought through, or they can be as predictable as new socks or one of those big tin containers of popcorn.
If given in love, it is not the gift that truly matters; it is the thought that means the most. With all the money spent, however, there is one item that cannot be purchased: joy. Unlike happiness, joy is not affected by the environment or the actions of others. Joy resides deep within each Christian’s heart. Happiness may be fleeting, but joy remains no matter the circumstances.
Jesus, the Son of God, was born to bring us salvation. (4–7)
The reason for the birth of Christ should never be forgotten. Of course, we should celebrate His birth, but let us never neglect to tell the whole story of His purpose. He came to die for sinners like you and me. His birth marked the incarnation, and the world has never been the same since that night in Bethlehem. When a baby is born, very few begin to ponder the child’s purpose in life.
With Jesus, His purpose was clear. He was born to bring honor to His Father and provide a way of salvation for the world. His birth was not an afterthought but rather the culmination of God’s providence before time began.
The birth of Jesus is cause for great joy. (8–12)
For many of the younger generation, social media is prominent in their lives. They quickly share a picture of everything they deem interesting about their family, job or observations.
One thing that has become commonplace with young adults is hosting gender reveal parties and various other parties commemorating significant life events.
When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, they proclaimed that it was a reason for joy for all the world. A Savior was now in their midst, and the joy that fact brings should be as real today as it was 2,000 years ago.
We experience joy because Jesus brought peace to us. (13–14)
One key to joy is peace. When a person has the peace of Christ, they begin to realize that this world cannot offer genuine, lasting joy. There is no joy apart from the peace of Christ, and Christ gives no peace until we commit our lives to Him and place our faith in Him for salvation.
Joy and peace are fused together at the birth of Christ. Our circumstances do not determine whether we have joy and peace or how we choose to feel. God gives these to us, and they should reside in and be displayed in the life of a believer.
No, you and I cannot purchase joy or peace from the store. We cannot put it on a credit card or pay it through layaway. Like all good gifts given by Jesus, they are free for the asking. The angels praised God, who brought peace and joy through His Son, Jesus. We should praise Him as well! Looking for a last-minute gift idea? How about peace and joy? One size fits all.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
