Heaven sent a gift so rare and so extraordinary that even the angels couldn't stop singing. The grand and joyous pronouncement caused all of earth to stop in wonder at the gift that had been given.
What was heaven's opinion of the gift that had been given that night? What words were used to describe the glorious and unmatched endowment of eternal impact?
But the angel said to them, 'Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.' Suddenly there was with the angel a company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men'" (Luke 2:10-14).
Don't allow the familiarity of these celebratory words to disguise the sheer miracle of this unforgettable moment. As you read this precious and significant portion of Christmas Scripture, allow the power of the tribute that was given to stir something new in you today: Good news of great joy! Peace among men!
When Jesus came from heaven, He wasn't wrapped in a cashmere blanket, nor was there a bejeweled crown upon His deserving head. When Jesus came, He brought nothing that the earth already possessed. Jesus, the darling of heaven, came to die, but He also came to teach us how to live with joy and with peace.
The joy that Jesus came wrapped in and the peace that was His crown was nothing that earth had ever experienced prior to His human entrance that grand night. Jesus brought the miracle of resounding joy and the sweet oil of perfect peace in eternal proportions as His valuable endowment from heaven.
The joy that was given by the Son of the Creator had now arrived on earth simply because Jesus had arrived.
"In His presence there is fullness of joy!" (Ps. 16:11).
Jesus brought the atmosphere of heaven with Him, and nothing has ever been the same for the people of God. Now, regardless of circumstances, disappointment or discouragement, we can breathe in the joy of heaven's oxygen. Jesus has come!
Most babies bring confusion and chaos and noise and busyness, but the Christ child brought peace. It should be no surprise that the Prince of Peace Himself would bring a bounty of peace with Him. He never leaves home without it.
Jesus brought the peace that passes understanding. He brought peace that would silence every storm in life. He brought the peace that would eternally guard our hearts and minds. He brought peace because He is Peace!
As you experience all that Christmas offers this year, don't forget that the greatest gifts in all of recorded history are yours because of Jesus. You have been given joy and you have been given peace.
In the midst of the baking and shopping and singing and sending and eating and spending and partying and giving, remind yourself every day of this glorious season that Jesus came wrapped in joy and crowned with peace! He took off His robe—and gave it to you. He took off His crown—and gave it to you.
Good news of great joy! Peace among men! 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books, including No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released last August. Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "A Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.
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