Joy in a Grief Filled World

 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

                As we enter this Christmas season, joy does not seem to be the prevailing feeling. Ukraine is still embroiled in a war with Russia that has devastated the country. Iran continues to face reprisals from an oppressive government that is willing to sacrifice their own people for their ideology. China is in upheaval over the restrictive COVID policies put in place by the government. And our own political system here in America is in turmoil as we fight over election returns, inflation, and immigration issues. The joy of this season seems to be overshadowed by despair and gloom.

                All that is going on in our world reminds us of the impermanence of our world. Everything around us is temporary and one day will disappear, including ourselves. As our world seems to be falling apart, it is easy to fall into a spirit of depression and hopelessness. That is why, more than ever, we need to message of Christmas.

                When Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the world they lived in seemed just as oppressive and discouraging as ours. They made the trip because Caesar Augustus decided that everyone had to be taxed; at best an imposition and at worse another reminder of their lack of real freedom. Although there was relative peace in the land, it was kept in place by the iron fist of Rome. All dissention was quickly squashed with brutal force. There was not much joy in Judah.

                Then God broke in with a message that has changed the course of human history. It was a message of hope and of joy. The long-awaited Messiah had finally come. God delivered this important message to a group of shepherds. But it was not just for them, it was for all people: a savior has been born.

                2000+ years later, that same message rings true. A savior has been born to us; He is Christ the Lord. It is a message of good news and joy to all who will receive it by faith. How can this be?

                The answer to that question is found in John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Our joy is based on God’s promise of eternal life and not upon our current circumstances. The joy we can have in Christ transcends our temporal world. It is an eternal joy that God implants within our very souls. It is a joy that can weather any storm we face in this life, because our life is secure in Christ.

                There is more. Our joy is based not just on the promise of eternal life, but also on the reality that we have been given a new status: we have become children of God.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV)

                Through the one who was born in a stable and laid in a manger, we can become a part of God’s eternal family. We are adopted as full heirs of all of God’s blessings and riches. We are brought into an intimate relationship with God the Father through Jesus. We can approach Him, not in fear, but in love. We can rejoice because we have been accepted, we belong, we have value and purpose. We have been set free from our slavery to sin and death. We have been embraced by God Himself.

                The book of Revelation tells us that the circumstances of our world are going to get worse over time. The kinds of things we are seeing will continue. There will be wars and rumors of wars. There will be famine and disease and natural disasters. From a worldly perspective, things are going to go from bad to worse. But in the midst of all of this, God continues to hold out hope. He invites us to come to Him in faith and receive, with joy, the salvation He has to offer.

                Jesus said it clearly in John 16:33. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

                There is joy, even in a time of grief. Our grief awakens us to our own frailty and our deepest needs. Jesus comes to us in our grief and offers us hope and His joy; a joy that can shine even in the darkest hours.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)