Inexpressible and Glorious Joy!

There’s nothing quite like experiencing meeting your child’s child for the first time. Pure delight! Inexpressible joy!

True Story Ahead

A baby boy was born. His father’s smile radiated gladness and pure love when he announced his birth. Cold and crying, this baby boy snuggled next to his mommy’s bare skin. Donning a knitted hat to keep his round head warm, this little boy scrunched his face and eyes while crying that fierce newborn cry. His cry brought tears of gladness to two waiting and praying grandmas.

His father proudly introduced this bundle of joy to the world, “This is James David Barringer!”

Great Joy for All the People

Since my sweet grandson was born one month ago, he’s brought great delight to many people. I personally have been amazed at this crazy love I have for him. It’s the kind of love that makes my heart so full it’s spilling over with delight.

Today I’m pondering the birth of another baby who also has filled my heart of joy. He gives me reasons to celebrate. Like my son, this other father was also filled with delight when he got to announce his baby boy to the world. Listen to how he introduced him:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Can you imagine the shock and awe of seeing a gigantic and mighty angel with a wing span larger than you’ve ever seen on anything before, including those crazy movies with flying creatures?

This angel was not a small butterfly floating around the sky. This Father went all out. He sent a mighty warrior angel with muscles so large and stronger than Superman’s arms of steel. But there’s more. This mighty angel also had a thunderous voice.

He made the most profound announcement: “A baby boy has been born! He is the Savior of the world, the Messiah of the world, the Lord!” Come on, that would be terrifying!

But that’s not all. Then the Father sends a multitude of hosts from heaven. I mean a full-size army of heavenly beings come flying right in front of you, and they start singing this amazing song because a baby was born.

Do you know what? I think if I had been one of those shepherds, I would have passed out! (And I know what that feels like!)

Okay, so I know we don’t know what the angel of the Lord looks like, but I have an imagination. If the shepherds were terrified, this angel and the heavenly hosts must have been astonishing!

Sometimes I think we don’t think big enough about Jesus’ birth and the birth announcement that His Father sent to the world. This was not a special photo taken of the newborn with his weight and length printed on it.

His Father sent an angel to earth along with a whole army of singing hosts to make this very special announcement! Later He placed a huge star in the sky that shined so brightly some wise men were able to travel to the birth place by it’s direction! Now that’s a super cool birth announcement!

Could it be Jesus’ birth truly is a special celebration?

YES!

We need to celebrate! We need to rejoice! We need to keep telling people about the most amazing little boy who was ever born because He was born our Messiah! He came to die for you and for me, which is another true story I’ll share in a few months.

Jesus’ birth was a miracle. I know some people don’t believe it, but I do. I also know and truly believe with all my heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior of the world.

I’m not ashamed of proclaiming who Jesus is to me. He is my joy! Jesus is my pure delight. I know pure delight when I experience it. Seeing my grandson James fills my heart with delight every single time. Holding him fills my heart with love so great I think my heart may burst open.

Jesus does more than that to my heart. He’s saved my soul and filled my whole being with pure delight. I have the gift of eternal life and the gift of joy because of Jesus.

You know, I’ve done a little research. I’ve discovered the Bible has more than 200 verses with the word “joy.” I’m convinced our Heavenly Father is serious about joy. He loves joy so much, He gives it away. It’s one of His greatest gifts.

Our salvation comes with faith in Jesus. Joy comes with faith in Jesus too. Although I’ve never seen Jesus, I chose to put my faith in Him when I was seven years old. I know He exists. I love Him. I will always put my faith in Him.

This Scripture confirms everything I’ve written about today:

[callout]“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)[/callout]

Year after year, Jesus continues to be faithful to me. He has saved my soul and filled it with inexpressible and glorious joy!

My heart is full of joy this Christmas. I want you to know, yours can be too. It’s as simple as declaring with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

My prayer for you is that you will personally know the inexpressible and glorious joy of the Lord this Christmas. What better gift to receive than salvation and the joy of the Lord?

May you celebrate with great joy in the presence of the Lord this Christmas. I know I will. And I’ll be receiving another wonderful gift too. My first Christmas with Baby James. This grandma’s heart is full of pure delight.

Merry Christmas!
Michelle