When an angel came to announce the birth of Jesus, he said “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” And Christmas continues to be a season with much rejoicing. Does this mean that everything is right in the world, or even in our lives? No. But, as Christ-followers we can still find joy in our…

1)Forgiven Past. The apostle Paul tells us that “Having been declared righteous, then, by faith, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Rom. 5:1) All of us some things in my past we’re ashamed of. Isn’t it amazing that, through faith in Jesus, we can know that our sin account is completely clean before God?

2)Future Prospects. Paul continues, “We confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” (Rom. 5:2) When Christ-followers look to the future, we see glory – the promise of eternal life in a new heaven and a new earth. It’s good to know that no matter how bad things are, better times are coming.

3)Present Pressures. Paul says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Rom. 5:3-4) Meeting Jesus didn’t take away any of the problems in the shepherd’s lives. They still were poor, and were still governed by a brutal dictator. But they now had HOPE. When we live in hope, because we know we are justified, then our whole attitude to pressure changes. And as we abide under pressure, our perseverance yields strength and character.

This is what the Christian life is all about. The ability to rejoice in our present pressures, and in our future hope, because of the surety of our forgiven past. Rejoice!