Despite COVID-19, Christmas Still Brings Good News
By Rick Warren
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
Because of COVID-19, this Christmas is unique and unprecedented within our lifetimes. Yet, we can still experience great joy, knowing that Immanuel, “God with us,” has arrived to save us from our sins and take us home to heaven.
We may be celebrating Christmas in a different way—but it is still a celebration.
You can spend this Christmas focusing on the many things you can be grateful for. And you can marvel that the God of the universe cares about the details of your life. He cares about the stress, frustration, and heartache you may be experiencing this holiday season. He cares about your future and has plans for you that will bring hope and healing (Jeremiah 29:11).
The Good News of great joy proclaimed by the angel over 2,000 years ago is still Good News and still a source of everlasting joy.
The angel said: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).
Regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the pandemic, you can still celebrate this Christmas with great joy because of three reasons:
God loves you. God sent Jesus on a mission of love. In fact, the Bible says God is love. God created the entire universe, just so he could create the human race, just so he could create you, just so he could love you.
God made you so he could love you. And his love isn’t based on what you do. His love is based on who he is. The Bible says, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).
That’s a reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy.
God is with you. The Bible says Jesus is Immanuel. He is God come to live amongst us. Jesus truly was “God with us.” And he is still with us today. You may not feel his presence, but that doesn’t make it any less true. You may have been abandoned in life, but God will never abandon you.
Knowing God is near means you don’t have to worry or be anxious about what’s coming next. He—not your circumstances—is in control. He—not the coronavirus—is in control. Knowing God is near will remove your fear. You can remember it like this: When he is near, there is no need to fear.
And that’s a reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy.
God is for you. He’s on your side. He wants you to succeed. In fact, Jesus said this: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17 NLT). Many people are afraid of God because of their guilt. But the Bible says Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. He came to save it. That’s Good News!
And that’s a reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy.
It’s Good News of great joy for all people because God says, “I love you, I’m with you, and I’m for you.”
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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