It was an ordinary night…the shepherds caring for their flocks, probably grumbling, as old men do, about the government and the census being taken by Augustus.
Yet it was a night like no other…suddenly, an angel, beaming with the glory of God shared with them, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
In essence they were saying, “Don’t be afraid, rather be joyful”
Joy, it is an especially peculiar thing. Unlike happiness, joy is not manufactured. Man can strive toward happiness, and if he plays his cards just right, may very well attain it…a happy home, a happy marriage, a happy life.
But joy, birthed in spontaneity and expressed at the crossroads of laughter and freedom, is more mysterious because it can happen anywhere, anytime, even under the most unpromising circumstances, even in the midst of suffering, with tear-stained cheeks. Joy can be a baby boy sleeping in an animal food trough or a sinless Savior nailed to a tree.
As we light the candle of joy, may we, in the midst of our ordinary days, or the extraordinary days, may we never lose sight of the joy, the freedom, that comes through Jesus. And may we be ever mindful of sharing the true joy of Christmas with everyone we meet.
Ragamuffin Warrior 