Joy! Peace! Love! Three words. Three simple words. Three elusive, often misunderstood monosyllabic words that are tossed around every Christmas by the religious, and the non-religious; Christian and non-Christian alike. “JOY to the world, the Lord is come” “PEACE on earth, goodwill toward men” “All we need is LOVE”. But then we look around our world and we can’t help but wonder: where is the joy? where is the peace? where is the love?

These words describe the kind of life that all of us wish for. It’s what we all hope for. It’s what we all long for and strive for. But is it something we ever really experience at the deepest level: joy? peace? love? Is it something that actually CAN be a reality in our world?

I believe it is – but only when joy, peace, and love become realities in our own hearts. That’s where the whole ‘Christmas thing’ comes in. See, the MESSAGE of Christmas is this: GOD is with us, and through Jesus makes it possible for us to be reconciled to Him! The angel’s song of joy and peace was for all who would receive Christ into their hearts, humbly owning Him, not as the “Baby in a manger”, but as the Redeemer and Saviour of the world.

And once we have repented of our sins and received His forgiveness, then joy unspeakable, a peace that passes understanding, and perfect love are all poured out into our hearts in increasing measure.

So let’s have a great ‘after-Christmas celebration’, knowing that Jesus Christ is no longer a baby, but our Saviour, our Redeemer, our Reconciler who lives and reigns in us today! And let’s bask in the joy that He gives, spread the peace that He imparts, and share the love that He lavishes upon us … to a world in desperate need … of Christmas!