By Vaughan Ballinger
Luke 2:8-10
Today’s scripture is Luke 2:8-10, “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they are terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring good news of GREAT JOY that will be for ALL the people.”
What steals your joy? What gives you joy? My childhood Sunday School teacher in PA taught us JOY is: Jesus Others Yourself. Do we daily find ourselves looking to Jesus first in all situations big and small? Then we help others and ourselves. The angel told Mary and Joseph to not be afraid in the midst of a society questioning her pregnancy. Questioning how will they provide for a king child and going where. Then it says the GREAT joy is for ALL. Not just the wealthy, social elite, top academic person but to ALL.
My mental health social worker sister-in-law told me many years ago while working with youth that Stressor + Reaction = Stress. Can I change the stressor or can I choose to change my reaction? Looks like the angel is telling them to change their reaction and reassured them that JESUS will become their JOY.
May you sing and live with the gift of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love unwrapped.