Today’s Devotional: “At Jesus’s Birth There’s MEGA Joy”

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” (Luke 2:10)

Being a shepherd was a lonely job in those days. It prevented a person from attending many social gatherings and activities. Shepherds couldn’t even go to the synagogue, participate in the Jewish feast days, or offer sacrifices at the temple because they not only had to watch over the sheep but were also considered unclean.

But now the Great Shepherd arrives, and although He was called a man of sorrows, He came to bring us great joy. This matches exactly what Isaiah describes about the coming Messiah.

“He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. … Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5)

And so, the angels said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy.”

Now, the word “great” comes from the Greek word “megas.” That’s where we get our English word “Mega.” I love this. The good news that the angels proclaimed was not just the good news of joy, but it was the good news of MEGA JOY—mega joy for all people, mega joy for you and me.

I am reminded of a popular Christmas carol, “Joy to the World.” It says, “Joy to the world the Lord is come,” and “repeat the sounding joy.” But joy, real joy, great joy, seems to elude so many in today’s world. But that’s not news.

But with the coming of Jesus, there is great “mega” joy. But not because our troubles will disappear, but rather because the sins that separate us from God have been dealt with.