From The Pastor’s Desk

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be for all people,” Luke 2:10 Took a walk around Wolf Point in the extreme cold the other day and asked folks I met this very simple question: Do you have great joy? Most would give me a puzzled look and answer with this question back. “What?” It seemed at this festive time of the year, only two folks looked at me with wide smiles on their face and said, “Yes, my joy is great!” One person told me that great joy was not even possible in today’s world. Many might agree with that, let’s take a closer look at what great joy is and who promises to give it to you and me.

I don’t think we can begin to understand the joy of the shepherds as they surround the baby laying in the manger. He had come to be the savior of the world and they would be God’s first evangelists as they told all in the city of Bethlehem what they had seen and what the angel had told them. We are not told much of what happened in that Roman ruled region the 30 years that followed the announcement by the heavenly messenger. Then Jesus appeared and the world as men knew it was turned upside down. He began to heal, teach and gather followers to continue his ministry and share what we now call the Gospel or Good News.

Why did he come? What is the Good News? Can we still expect great joy? Look with me at the words of Jesus as he answered all these questions (and many more), we find His words in the Book of John. In chapter 14, he tells us why he came and what the Good News is all about. He said that he was the way to heaven (vs. 6) and that was the reason he came to give everyone a way “through” him, there is no other. In chapters 15 and 17, Jesus explained that just as the angel had told the shepherds, he came to bring us joy and to ensure our joy was great. If you have this great joy continue to share it with others. Still searching? Read the words of Jesus yourself in the Book of John.

Join us at the Community Bible Church at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday as we look at “God’s Miracle of the Manger.” We will have some very special music and a time of great joy and fellowship.

“Joy to the World, the Lord has come.”