Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10 There are many world religions today that appeal for people’s loyalty and devotion. Each clamors that it, alone, has the truth. Some are wholly intolerant of any rival. Each proclaims that it alone, bears the true marks of divinity. It is in this context, that Christianity declares that it is the true faith and provides the only path to salvation. While there are many distinctive attributes of the Christian faith, there is one that is particularly compelling: joy. As soon as Jesus was born, the angels announced that their message was one of “great joy.” How could it not be? Salvation from every sin had been provided. Victory over death was finally possible. Alienation from the Creator was overcome. The power of darkness and lies was finally broken. Even the angels of heaven could not but express joy at the deliverance of such great news! Christianity, in its essence, is a joyful religion. You cannot truly believe it and follow it without being filled with the joy of Christ (John 15:11). Too often we forget this. We become so embroiled in secondary issues that we lose the joy that should be ours at being adopted into God’s family. People who truly “get” what Christianity is really about, will be joyful people. ~ Henry Blackaby
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 13:21:03 +0000
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