But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 NLT
Have you ever noticed how often you see the words joy and peace at Christmas time? We see them in our Christmas décor and we sing about: “Joy to the World” and “Peace on Earth!” Why do we talk about joy and peace so much at Christmas?
When the news that Jesus would be born was announced, heaven couldn’t contain its joy. An angel brought the news to a group of shepherds and the sky suddenly filled with angels singing of peace on earth and goodwill towards men.
All of Heaven was ecstatic because peace was about to be restored.
When you make mistakes, as we all do, you feel like God is angry with you. Your sin separates you from God when you dread the consequences of your actions. This is precisely why the angels were so ecstatic Jesus’ birth. Jesus was ushering in a new era on planet Earth. Jesus came to bring peace on earth—not peace between men but toward men. He came to restore peace between God and mankind.
Mankind would no longer need to feel separated from God because of their sin. This was the best Christmas gift we could ever receive—a restored relationship with Him!
Do you still strive to earn God’s love, forgiveness and acceptance? Of course, God wants you to live morally—sin hurts you and the people around you. However, you can forever walk in His forgiveness and His love for you is unending!