When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has told us about.”
— Luke 2:15

That first Christmas was filled with awe, excitement and joy. How much excitement, joy and peace did your Christmas bring this year?

Not long ago, Vicki and I were out shopping. As we checked out, we were visiting with the clerk at the counter. We mentioned the approaching Christmas to her during our conversation. With a very upset look on her face she said, “Yes, Christmas gets harder and harder each year.” There was no joy in her comment.

It is easy to fall into that trap. Where can the joy and peace of Christmas be found? Let’s revisit the first Christmas for the answer.

The shepherds got a great word from the angels that first Christmas. Then they decided to go to Bethlehem and see this thing that God had told them about. And there, in a manger, they found the baby. They found Jesus. And that was when they were filled with joy. The joy came when they found the savior. Scripture then tells us how this newfound joy affected the shepherds.

“The shepherds then returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
— Luke 2:20

We will never find the joy of the season at the malls or parties. The joy of the season still resides in the first great gift of Christmas. A savior was born for you that night. There is a lot of joy and peace wrapped up in that gift!

You matter to God. Have you accepted his gift to you? If so, we need to do as the shepherds did: praise and glorify our God. If you have not meet Jesus and accepted him as your savior, do it today. If you need help in knowing how, ask a Christian friend or call one of our staff members at Community Life Church.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.
— Romans 15:13