Scripture

When you are told some really good news, the natural response is to want to share it with others. We see that in previous verses, Mary was told that she was favored by the Lord and would conceive and give birth to the Messiah. After receiving the news, notice how Mary “set out and hurried” to tell the incredible news and to hear incredible news in turn! (Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy)! Some commentaries note that Mary traveled around 70 miles to arrive in the hill country of Judah—no great distance for someone with news (or someone who wants to hear news) so incredible and all-consuming.

Our World

To have good news to share, you must experience the goodness of it yourself. Often, as believers, we may go through seasons of feeling “spiritually dry” or “numb” to joy around us. I’ve absolutely gone through it, and it can be disheartening. The scripture says that some of the fruits of the spirit are joy and love (Galatians 5:22). Why is it hard to feel that at times? Well, I find that the thing that revives my soul with joy and gratitude the most is the love of God. In this scripture (Luke 1:39-40), Mary is responding to God’s favor and love as she excitedly goes to share the news of the coming Messiah with Elizabeth. The scripture says, “Not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). The good news is that we did nothing to earn, deserve, or realize the love of God on our own. Rather, the scripture says that He first loved us (1 Johns 4:19), and we get to respond to the sacrificial love of God powerfully displayed on the cross. This Christmas season, remember the joy of your salvation and know the love of God deeply. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8). Spend time with Him, talk with Him through prayer, and drink from His word. Once you experience the goodness of God, you’ll want to share it. One quote I found says that

“when we express heartfelt thankfulness for God’s innumerable blessings, we powerfully display a sense of satisfaction in him. This kind of joy is contagious, drawing others into its thankfulness and happiness” (Adam Cavalier). When we share about God and what He is doing in our lives with others, it multiplies joy and then we enjoy Him all the more. Often we can think, “will others share in this joy with me?”, or “will people question what God is doing in my life?” I agree, it takes bravery and vulnerability to share meaningful things with others. However, when we begin to think beyond ourselves and lift our eyes up to see God’s work, wonder, and glory, we see that sharing about the goodness of God is enriching to our community and brings glory to His name. Therefore, share about Him this Christmas season. Share with your community, your friends, and family about the blessings that God has given you, how you see God working, and how you are delighting in Him this season. Come and see how sharing in the splendor of God increases your gratitude for the gift you have in Jesus.

• What do you see God orchestrating in your life right now? How is He showing his kindness?
  
• Why is it important to share God’s work in community? What prevents you from choosing to express gratitude to others?
  
• Concerning evangelism, how do we do it with joy as opposed to guilt/compulsion?
  

Prayer

God, I humbly come before you and thank you for my salvation. I confess that I often forget the joy of my salvation. I pray that you’d renew that realization within me. Remind me, Father, that a relationship with you is the one thing that will satisfy my soul and give me everlasting joy. From the overflow of love and grace that I’ve received, I’m going to try to share your works with others around me. May it overflow into my workplace, my family, my friend circle, and my community. God, you deserve all the glory. Thank you for your love.

Amen