Happy Birthday Jesus

Happy Birthday Jesus

“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people.’” Luke 3:10

This good news of great joy was an announcement for the birth of a child. When a new child come into the world, the parents and family send out birth announcements that express their joy at the birth of the baby. The card usually says, “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” We are excited about the hope for new life that has come among us. Even people who are not members of the family get caught up in this excitement when that joy is expressed.

As Christians, we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ every year. It’s a strange thing, but we are not putting 2,012 candles on the birthday cake. We are however sending out birth announcements as though the birth was a recent event. Plays are staged to recount the story of the birth. Choirs sing cantata’s and lots of special music. We have parties to celebrate the good news.

We do all these things and more because in a real sense Christ is still being born into the world in 2012 AD. The birth of this child continues to bring good news of great joy for all people. Each time someone hears the gospel and accepts Christ as savior, a new birth occurs. A new life begins as Christ takes control, cleanses us of sin and gives us the spirit to live for Him. No wonder we celebrate this one birth in this way every year. Jesus was born to us and in each one of us.

Consider your own experience of Christ being born in you and express your joy in the new birth that is good news of great joy for all people. Express your joy that God loves you so much that He sent us a child, His Son.

            “For unto you is born this day a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 3:11