December 25

True Christmas Joy

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). — John 20:16 BSB

On this Christmas Day, we come to a moment of restored joy—joy that is richer and deeper than that which came with the birth of the Savior. Christmas speaks of Christ’s first coming to earth, bringing blessings to a lost world. But when Jesus died, His disciples felt that they had lost Him. Now, with Mary’s message, we hear of a Savior who has returned from the darkness of death, alive in immortal life. The joy that began with His birth is now complete, for it includes the victory over death and the grave. The hope that was lost on Good Friday has now been restored, and the light shines again, never to be dimmed.

So, this is the full Christmas message. It tells not only of a Savior’s birth but also of His life, obedience, suffering, death, and resurrection. Because of this, He can save to the utmost all who come to God through Him. The shepherds and wise men found a newborn King, but now we see a Savior with the marks of the nails in His hands and feet, a Savior who has accomplished full redemption for the world.

Jesus appeared to Mary after conquering death, and death had not diminished His glory. His resurrection is a promise of the future resurrection for all who believe in Him. It shows us that death is not the end, but rather a passage, and life continues beyond the grave, unbroken and unspoiled. We should strive to embrace this truth. A life confined to the horizon of this earth is not truly life—it is only when we live for eternity that we begin to live fully.