A Special Christmas Message of Great Joy from Dr. John Trent

Hi, this is John Trent and I'd like to share with you two words that are incredibly important this Christmas. Well, these two words were uttered none other than at Jesus' birth. Now you know the story in Luke chapter two. It says that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus. And of course, that's when Mary and Joseph would go to Bethlehem and Jesus would be born.

And on the night he was born, it said in the same region were some shepherds staying out in their field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord was all around them and they were incredibly frightened. But the angel said, and so listen to these two words coming up.

Do not be afraid for behold I bring you good news of great joy. Now that's the only time in scripture you see those two words used together. Great joy. And it's at the birth of Jesus. And our savior born on Christmas day brought great joy. But guess what? It's used one other time that those two words, it's also in the Book of Luke,

and it's at the very end of Jesus' ministry. And it says, and he led them out as far as Bethany. Now, this is after his life, after his death on the cross, and his resurrection that brought us new life. But now he's getting ready to go back to heaven. And he led the disciples out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them and while he was blessing them.

So the last thing Jesus does is bless them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And after they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem, they did so with great joy. So at the beginning of life, his first day on Earth, Christmas Day that we celebrate, that brings us great joy.

But guess what? When he left us, he didn't leave us alone. He went up to heaven and blessed us. And while he was being lifted up into heaven, he's blessed us. And it is that blessing, God's blessing that I pray brings you great joy this Christmas and your family as well. Well, that's what we're all about here at Strong Families is helping people understand God's blessing and how that can revolutionize and change a life as he changes us and turns us into new creatures.

And when we do that, guess what? Once we get God's blessing, we're able to bless others as well. So may your family be filled with blessing. Thank you for the way you've helped us as a ministry all these Years. Keep praying for us as we encourage people to get God's blessing, but also to give it to others that there might indeed be that great joy in their life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

Dr. John Trent