The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
In 1963 the song The Most Wonderful Time of the Year was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle. Later that same year the song was recorded by Andy Williams for his first Christmas album and the song has become a staple for Christmas time. It was a hit then and still today is a Christmas favorite! Just consider the first few lyrics.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle-belling
And everyone telling you “be of good cheer”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Not only do the lyrics contain happy words, but the music itself is upbeat, celebratory, and festive. If you need something to get you in the Christmas spirit, this song will do it!
But do you think Joseph and Mary saw it that way?
That first Christmas might not have felt quite like the most wonderful time of the year. According to Matthew 1:8, Joseph and Mary were engaged and Mary was pregnant. And to make matters more complicated, Joseph was not the father of this child. The father of this child was the Holy Spirit of God. Now let that sink in for a few minutes. Here are these two young adults, starting on the journey of a new life together, only to find out this news that would completely change the trajectory of their lives. I feel certain they might not have understood or even felt like this was the most wonderful time of the year!
I suspect they were filled with fear, anxiety, worry, and countless other emotions. I feel certain that they perhaps experienced the contempt of friends and family members. I suspect their little community looked upon them with judgment, condemnation, and shame. From all indications their lives were turned upside down, never to be the same again.
However, that is only the beginning of the story - the human side of the story. The truth is their lives were not turned upside down; the truth is their lives were turned right side up!
Two truly wonderful messages came with the announcement of Mary’s pregnancy.
Do Not Be Afraid
According to both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, both Joseph and Mary were told to not be afraid. They were told to “fear not!” They didn’t have to live in fear; they could live in faith. They didn’t have to listen to the voices around them, they could listen to the voice above them. At the point of their greatest anxiety and need, God met them with faith.
God Has A Purpose
God had a purpose for all of this: the redemption of lost mankind - you and me!
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
God’s purpose communicated a message of HOPE!
What makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year is not the Christmas tree, the gifts, the parties, the festivities, and all that goes with the Christmas season. There is nothing wrong with these things. But what makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year is the faith we have been given in the midst of our fears and the hope we have in the midst of our losses. And all of this, and so much more is found in Jesus, our Savior.
I suspect you, like many others, could be facing Christmas with uncertainty, anxiety, loss, or fear. I suspect that someone you know may be feeling hopeless or discouraged. Can I remind you of something so very important? Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, all because God became man, all because of Jesus.
If you are a believer in Christ, don’t be discouraged, and don’t be afraid. Jesus is our hope. Rest in that hope for your own life and share that hope with a friend who needs to hear that Jesus has come to save us from our sin.
If you are not a Christ follower, please reach out to me at david@davidsmithministry.com. I would love to share the hope and security you can find in Jesus this Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I pray that this Christmas season you will know the hope of Jesus Christ.
Come back to the blog page next week to explore more about the most wonderful time of the year.