SITUATION

The Good News is Jesus.  Christ, the Lord.

No doubt about it.  The good news is where real joy comes from.

Our major mistake when it comes to finding joy is that we believe joy is tied to our circumstances.  If my situation was different, I'd be happy.

That's why people go on exotic vacations - it's why they change careers - it's why they alter their hair color - it's why they get a different spouse.  If I change my situation, I'll be happy.

The problem is -- that doesn't work.  Because joy isn't found in our circumstances.  It's found in our choices.  It's found in the decisions we make every day of our lives.

Good news of great joy - for all the people - is Christ the Lord.  A Savior.  Someone to rescue us from our sins.  Because no matter how good we are, we can't save ourselves.

All of us fall short of God's standard for perfection and if that's so, we're all in trouble.  We can't make it to heaven on a B+.

'The wages for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'  (Romans 6:23)

The penalty is death.  That's what hell is.  It isn't just a place on fire.  It's forever separation from God.  We can never make it to heaven on our own; we need help.  God's gift of Jesus makes eternal life possible.

Jesus is the Link.  He's the Bridge between fallen man and a holy God.

Do you want joy this Christmas?  Invite Jesus into your life as your Savior and let Him wipe away your past and all the anxiety and ugliness that comes with it.

He's our Savior.  But it's that second part we so often miss, even as followers of Christ.  He's also our Lord.

What does that mean?

It means Jesus is in charge - it means Jesus is the leader - it means Jesus has your complete loyalty and allegiance - it means you'll do whatever He asks of you.

He's our Savior.  He takes away our sin, but the tougher part is to accept Him as your Lord.  It seems so many Christ-followers have accepted Him as Savior, because we all want to go to heaven one day - but fewer follow Him as their Lord - because that means we release control and let Him direct our lives.

The Good News of great joy at Christmas is Jesus Christ the Lord.  He's the answer to your situation.

And be blessed.