Great Joy

Webster says the word "great" means Large in bulk or dimensions; a term of comparison, denoting more magnitude or extension than something else, or beyond what is usual; as a great body; a great house; a great farm. He defines the word "joy" as The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. Did you know that, that phase "great joy" is only found 7 times in the New Testament! I found that very interesting; where and how it was used. Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Here we see the wise men; you know what was going on? The Birth of Jesus Christ; you know what? That should bring great joy; the magnitude of our joy because of the birth of Christ should cause us to have excitement and good fortunes. Then the next time we see that phrase is in Matthew 28:8 And they {Mary Magdalene and the other Mary} departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. Yes, you read it right fear and at the same time great joy. One may ask themselves how can one be fearful and have great joy at the same time. I love the great minds God has so blessed us with for we can shut our eyes and picture what that morning might have been like. Some like to call that day dreaming, call it what you will. But I like to get in a quiet place and think about how it might have been back long ago. A grave yard might be kind of a spooky place before light. Let's say it was you and your friends and you arrive at the grave of one whom you loved very much and watched just a few hours ago as they sealed up the grave. Now you show up and the grave is open; do you think you would have some cold chills running up and down your spine? Then you take off and run into the one that you saw and thought was dead. Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
Do you think Jesus might have said "You girls looking for me?" What did those women do? They fell down and held Him by His feet and worshiped Him. So what brings "Great Joy?" The birth of Christ the Savior of the world and then the Resurrection! He's not dead He's alive and they held on to His feet. We need to hold on too; you see God is not going to let go of us for we are written in the palms of His hands Isaiah 49:16
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. It's not the Lord that let's go it's us. The two greatest events in history; for without His birth there could have never been His death and without His death He could have never resurrected that Sunday morning. No wonder those wise men had great joy and no wonder those women had great joy. I wasn't at either event and I have great joy. The two most exciting times of the year are Christmas and Easter they both bring me great joy! When I'm feeling blue I think about the one who loves me so, Jesus Christ. The one who came and was born in a manger; remember that box in which live stock are fed from always brings great joy to my heart. That's what Christmas does; think about it for if it wasn't for the birth of Jesus there would be no "GREAT JOY."