Editorial December 19, 1925 Issue

Joy

Duncan Sinclair

At the time of the birth of Jesus, as Luke relates, certain "shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night," "were sore afraid" as "the glory of the Lord shone round about them." To allay their fear, "the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people," and told them of the "Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Then suddenly "a multitude of the heavenly host" broke into praise of God, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

The angel brought tidings of joy, of great joy to mankind! And this great joy was to come through him who had just been born. Almost thirty-three years afterwards, when his glorious ministry was drawing to a close, the Master, after he had spoken the never-to-be-forgotten words, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me," said to his disciples as they sorrowfully contemplated his departure from their midst, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." The announcement of the angel was made in joy; the shepherds, after they had seen "the babe lying in a manger," responded to that joy by "glorifying and praising God;" Christ Jesus throughout his whole life-work struck the same glad note, even until he ascended; and when the disciple band returned to Jerusalem after that great event, they also "were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God."

Now what is the nature of the joy which was thus manifested, and which was promised to his followers by Christ Jesus; and how is it to be obtained? It is well known that the Jews of his day, with the exception of a limited number of them, did not acknowledge him as the Messiah. In spite of all the wonders of healing he performed in proof of what he taught of Truth and Spirit and of the power of righteousness, they were blind to spiritual things. The mission of the great Nazarene was hidden from them, because they continued to be the slaves of material sense; and they remained, in consequence, unable to enter into the joy he possessed, that joy which should become the possession of all who attained to a measure of understanding of God.

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