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Joy to the world

‘That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.

‘They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’ (Luke 2:8-11, NLT).

Centuries later, the angel’s declaration, ‘Don’t be afraid’, still reverberates throughout the earth. The declaration is one that we need more than ever today!

As the angel suggests, ‘joy’ is an antidote to fear and terror. It’s also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22); one we need to receive in order for it to make its home in us.

There will always be reasons to be afraid in this world — something which has the potential to rob us of our joy and hope. But joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances or on the state of the world around us.

Proverbs 10:28 tells us, ‘The hope of the righteous brings joy.’

Joy is not something that’s surface level but is something that’s eternal and enduring. It brings security to the changing seasons of life.

Christmas unwrapped

It seems strange to speak of Christmas when, for many of the people we serve, it’s just another day to get through as they struggle to find enough food to eat and clean water to drink.

But it’s important to look beyond the pomp and pageantry of our church Nativity services and remind ourselves of the gritty reality of the Bethlehem story — one that’s entirely devoid of tinsel and excess.

Pure dynamite

The story of the Bethlehem babe — the most explosive story of joy ever told — changed the world forever. Jesus came humbly. The Messiah was born in what was then a fairly obscure town and, to some extent, passed without great ceremony.

Yet we know that the moment of Jesus’ birth changed everything.

John 15:11 tells us, ‘These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full’ (ESV).

The angels announced that great joy was coming. So, having received the joy of Christ’s salvation, we’re now invited to share that joy with a world in desperate need.

Isaiah 61:1 reminds us of Jesus’ mission: ‘The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor’ (NLT). It is, of course, our mission too.

Good tidings

When an MAF plane lands, many community members greet our aircraft with great joy and anticipation. They know that it brings good tidings.

Many of our pilots say it gives them great satisfaction knowing that MAF brings such good news to an entire community.

The life of a believer should be characterised by our receiving from Christ and then giving away what we’ve received to those around us.

Like Jesus, we’ve been anointed to bring good news to those who are poor in spirit or poor materially. So, as we enter this Advent season, let’s receive afresh the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth and share it with others.

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About MAF UK

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is the world’s largest humanitarian air operator. For over 75 years we have been flying light aircraft over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts. We enable more than 1,400 aid, development and mission organisations to bring medical care, emergency relief and long-term development. Our pilots and personnel deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, school books, food, medicines - everything that can only be safely and speedily delivered by air. Our faithful supporters give and pray to make this all possible.

© 2024 / MAF UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and Scotland (SC039107)