Why Christmas Brings Me Joy

Hallelujah to the God who came and does not leave his people.

Hallelujah to the one who gave up his glory for a little while, and so deserves it forever. Hallelujah to the one who did not fear, being the embodiment of perfect love.

Hallelujah to perfect power brought low to raise the weak.

Hallelujah to the man who left the humility of the manger for the greater humility of the Cross. Hallelujah to the Messiah who did not run and hide from suffering.

Hallelujah to the Son who did not waver in trust of his father.

Hallelujah to the Son begotten of God, so that many might become the sons and daughters of God.

Hallelujah to the Rider on the great white horse, with a name stronger than all the others, with a voice like a storm, and a robe like snow that doesn’t melt, though from it rises a face that shines as the sun.

Hallelujah to the King at once here with us and enthroned above.

For this reason, we rejoice before the little infant, with our knees bent at the Cross, and our eyes darting between the empty tomb and a Heaven full of the glory of God. For this reason, we stand with full courage, with feet firmly planted on the solid ground of the Messiah’s righteousness and our faces buried in the purity of his embrace. And through all of this we shout with a mighty chorus of saints running on before us to the throne ahead, “Worthy is the lamb who was slain!” For this reason, we rejoice.

Come quickly Lord Jesus. Hallelujah and amen.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10: 19-23, ESV)