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A Time for Joy

By: Bentley Hill

I have always heard that time flies when you’re having fun. If this is true, I must be having more fun the older I get because time is certainly passing more quickly these days. It seems like I just stored the Christmas lights and decorations from last year, and now it is time to pull them out again. To tell the truth, I really don’t mind. It is a wonderful time of the year to remember how God has blessed our lives by sending His Son.

The impact of this gift to the world is undeniable, and no matter how many times I read through the Christmas story, it never gets old. It reminds me of God’s love and mercy offered to the world, which brings joy to all who believe. Through an angel, God reminds us the Savior’s birth is a joyous event and not a stressful one: “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11). I can’t help but believe the angel put a little emphasis on the word “all.” The Good News is that God offers salvation to ALL people. The way to receive the good news is to surrender our lives to the God who created us. The great joy that is spoken of here is found by following Christ and trusting Him with the time and life God has given us.

Time does seem to fly and life is short. This Christmas season, let’s ask our God to rekindle the joy of our salvation for those of us who have placed our faith in Him. If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, now is a great time to do so and experience the joy and peace only God can offer. The babe born in a manger is still bringing hope to ALL people today. May we take the time to rejoice in His perfect gift this Christmas.