Announcing….some good news for a change!
Today I stumbled across this awesome announcement in I Peter 1:6-12. God has prepared “gracious salvation” for us. When I read this passage from the New Living Translation, the words seemed to jump out at me. Like the first century Christians, some of us are enduring hard times. But—good news—Christ has come to earth. And while we might not feel particularly happy now, our future holds wonderful joy. Glorious, inexpressible joy.
In the meantime, this Christmas we can look for the little pockets of joy all around us. The joy on the faces of children. Family togetherness. Opportunities to experience a sense of community. Beauty. Hope. Peace.
Then we can share the joy within us. I love this quote from Ann Voskamp’s book, The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas:
“When you light a dark world and the unexpected places with the brave flame of joy; when you warm the cold, hopeless places with the daring joy that God is with us, God is for us, and God is in us; when you are a wick to light hope in the dark—then you believe in Christmas. When you really believe in Christmas, you believe there is really hope for everyone.”
Here’s a little inspiration to lift your spirit.
Scripture for Reflection
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.” I Peter 1:6-12 New Living Translation (emphasis mine)
Reach for More
Believe in the miracle of Christmas. Then look around. Who needs to hear the Good News that God is with us, God is for us, God is in us? Share the hope. Spread the joy. Shine the light.
