Joy to the world

If you had to think of meaningful events in life that would bring tremendous joy, what would you think of? Would it be the advent of a new job, the prospects of a romantic relationship or graduating from a post secondary institution? Whatever the event might be the impact of these situations is similar - gladness, happiness, joy and a desire to celebrate.
Luke 2 details an event which is bound to bring joy to any family. The birth of Christ is foretold via the angel stating that much joy will come to humanity because of this momentous event. The joy to be experienced by this birth was beyond the norm. Certainly the family and friends of Mary would be ecstatic at the birth of a new child. But beyond them, the world was to rejoice at the birth of Christ who signified freedom for all.
Having recently experienced the birth of yet another child into our family I have a little understanding of the joy that child birth brings. I recall the instant shouts of joy that my wife and I elicited upon seeing our child for the first time. Even the nurses who were strangers with us joined in ecstatic celebration as they praised the baby and the successful birth. As the hours and days progressed, the joyous responses were evidenced by phone calls, text messages, e-mails and visits by friends and family members. It seemed as if the news of the baby instantaneously brought people together, made faces smile and gladdened hearts everywhere. Even now as it`s been five short days since Elizabeth`s birth, my heart is warmed with joy at the thought that God has blessed me with yet another gem.
Christ being born was definitely joyful news to all who heard. The world could rejoice at the good news that his birth represented. The joyful declaration of the angels only confirmed what Isaiah had prophesied 500 years earlier. There would be a servant of God who would bring freedom and deliverance to those who needed it. This freedom was spiritual, yet tangibly felt. Christ would liberate us from the grasp of addiction to sin, while bringing us temporal relief from pain, sickness, misery and other felt needs.
Have you heard the good news? If not then receive it today. Do you know the good news? Then share it! Don`t dare keep it to yourself. We have the most sought after piece of information on the face of the earth. Let`s do all we can to live and preach this wonderful news, that the world can came to know the joy we have?