Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Christmas is magical for our family. Suzanne and I just returned from vacationing with our kids and their families, where we participated in cutting and decorating the trees. It was fun to be part of their traditions.

Yet Christmas is and should be more than memories and excitement about the day. Christmas is when we celebrate the arrival of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It's called the Advent, meaning "arrival," and is in the gospels of Matthew and Luke in the Bible. There we find magic was in the air even then. 

Luke 2:8-11, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'"

They were told how to find the Christ: "You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." A heavenly choir appeared and sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace to men on whom his favor rests," Luke 2:14.

The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see Mary, Joseph and the baby in a stable, and were filled with amazement. They returned praising God for all they saw and heard.

The first Advent was magical, in that it brought a sense of awe to everyone. Everything was just as they were told, just as it was supposed to be.  

The Advent is not about the presents; it's about his presence. When mankind had been in darkness and unable to know God because of sin, God sent his son, born of a virgin, born a humble birth. He sent him with a plan to redeem the world from its sin. The Advent began God's plan of redemption. 

The Bible speaks of the return of this same Lord in a second Advent. Jesus will return not as the babe of Bethlehem but the Lord of Glory. For those who are serving him at his return what a day that will be.  

Not unlike the magic and awe of Christmas, not unlike the worship and praise the shepherds had, the day of the Lord's return should be a day believers anticipate and await with great excitement. The first Advent ushered in salvation, and the second will usher in the final chapter.

As a follower of Jesus I love the joy of Christmas and use it as an encouragement for Jesus' return.

Pastor Rich Lammay of High Sierra Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.