Christmas is Rejoicing. And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” Luke 1:46-47 Think Cheering. Think Celebration. Think Party. Well that's what Tony Campolo imagines Christmas will be like in his book  The Kingdom of God is a Party!. Not a formal dinner party but a spontaneous, expression of pure exhilaration and joy. In the midst of euphoria there isn't time to dwell on who's rich or poor, social class, education, or even who's fashionable. There is just an overwhelming sense of Rejoicing! The long wait is over, let the party begin!
Rejoice: To feel joyful; be delighted: rejoiced at the news; rejoiced in her friend's good fortune. To fill with joy; gladden.
Does that describe your Christmas experience? No? Well, that’s how the scene plays out in my mind. One minute the shepherds are quietly watching their sheep. And then suddenly, without any warning, the heavens burst forth in rejoicing. Since that time when man first fell from grace in the Garden all of creation had been eagerly awaiting, the Bible actually says 'groaning', for this moment. The redemption of humanity was at hand. The Savior of the world was about to be born. Heaven just couldn’t contain itself any longer and the invitations were being sent! So, the angels break out in rejoicing, singing, cheering, praising God for second chances and giving glory to His name. “…good news of great joy…” That was how Gabriel described it. And as if right on cue, all of heaven stepped in with a hearty, “Amen!” At all times and in every season our God is worthy of all our praise. Make it a point this holiday season. Join the angelic host. Lift your voice. Sing out loud. Make time this Christmas to rejoice in the joyous gift of God. Is your Christmas a carefully crafted event meant to impress friends or a joyful overflow of love? Do you worry more about what your gift says about you to others or whether they will know how much you care? Is Christmas a season to survive or an invitation to accept?
"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” Henry Van Dyke
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