* PREquel !!

Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people - LUKE 2:10.

"The angel who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds said that he came to them with "good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10). Many people today hear these words about "great joy" but don't understand them. They relish the season as they decorate their homes, shop in cheerful malls, attend festive parties, and exchange gifts with the ones they love. But after all the excitement subsides, they feel empty and joyless.

Others don't like the season at all. Many have no money for gifts or decorations. Some have no friends with whom to celebrate. The atmosphere of cheer around them actually deepens their feelings of sadness.

The problem with both groups is that they wrongly identify the "great joy" of which the angel spoke. It is found not in the superficial fun but in the deeper meaning of the Christmas season. WHEN Jesus was born, God became a man so that He could save us from our sins (*by dying on a Cross and THEN being raised from the dead on the third (3rd.) day) and give us the joyful prospect of eternity in heaven (providing that we sincerely accept Him personally to come into our heart - that's the AGREEMENT in His Holy word; the Bible). *THAT'S the true reason for joy !
The shepherds went back to the cold nights and loneliness of their vocation, but they were "glorifying and praising God" (verse 20).

The real meaning of Christmas is indeed "good tidings of great joy . . . to all people" (verse 10)." - HVL.