Bringing Joy

John brings joy

I always think of John the Baptist as a harsh, critical, angry kind of guy. Some of his earliest recorded words were, “You brood of vipers!” (Luke 3:7). He scolded the crowds who came to hear him. His language was so sharp, so judgmental that it led to his imprisonment by Herod, followed by his execution. Quite a contrast to the gentle baby Jesus lying in a manger.

And yet the angel of the Lord, when announcing John’s coming birth to his father, Zechariah, says John will bring joy to those around him (Luke 1:14). I can see how he might do that in a very limited way. Of course he’ll bring joy to his parents, who had pretty much given up hope of ever having a child. Zechariah’s friends and relatives will rejoice with him, too, over the miraculous event.

But I just can’t imagine the fiery John the Baptist bringing joy to anyone else. Conviction, yes. Sorrow, yes. Joy, no.

Then I read on in Luke chapter 3, looking for hints of bringing joy. Once again, his comments sound harsh and critical to my ears. He’s demanding self-sacrifice from his hearers. That’s never easy for us naturally self-centered and fearful creatures.

If you have two tunics, give one to the needy. (But what if something happens to the one that I have left?)

Share whatever food you have with those who are hungry. (But what if I don’t have enough for tomorrow? Or next week?)

To the tax collectors: Don’t collect any more money than you’re required to. (I’ve been told that they didn’t have a set income. Their wages consisted of whatever they could gather beyond the amount they sent to Rome.)

To the soldiers: No extortion, no false accusations, be content with your pay. (Sounds like they were poorly paid and desperate for ways to use their positions of power to compensate.)

Life was uncertain back then. John’s listeners were much more at the mercy of the elements than we are today. And at the mercy of their Roman conquerors. Yet John is telling them to give up what little security they have. Who could find joy in that advice?

It takes a minute, but then I realize the obvious. John’s teaching would bring joy to many. To the poor. The vulnerable. The abused. The recipients of the extra tunic and food. The taxpayers. The potential victims of extortion and false accusations. The ones who learned to find true contentment in their current circumstances. If it spread, the kinder, gentler attitude of John’s followers would bring greater joy to the entire culture.

Jesus brings joy

At this time of year, we focus on the baby Jesus and the message of joy that He brings. Is there anything more likely to trigger joy than a sweet, harmless, helpless little baby? God created us this way. As moms and dads snuggle their children shortly after birth, the parents’ bodies release hormones that generate good feelings, helping them bond with their new little ones.

And we remember the greetings that the angels brought to the shepherds. Our Christmas carols proclaim peace on earth, good will toward men.

But, like John the Baptist, Jesus could also be harsh. He echoed John’s words in calling the Pharisees a brood of vipers (Matthew 12:34). In Luke 12:51, He declared very bluntly, “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” He said families would be divided by His message. The entire Jewish culture would be split in the debate over whether He was truly the Messiah that they’d been expecting for millennia.

Jesus didn’t bring joy to the religious leaders of His day. He didn’t bring joy to the rich young ruler. He didn’t bring joy to the self-righteous.

Again like John, though, Jesus preached a message of concern for the poor, hope for the vulnerable, and relief for the victims. Yes, He set high standards—making anger comparable to murder, and making lust or remarriage after divorce comparable to adultery. He advised his hearers to tear out the eye or chop off the hand that offends the righteousness of God. But He also proclaimed blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. (All these teachings are found in Matthew chapter 5.)

The Baby brings joy

I know we inherit original sin at conception. Even a newborn isn’t entirely innocent. He’s a bundle of selfishness, demanding that his needs be met without lifting a finger to minister to anyone else. But in his newness and neediness and naivety, that baby is a symbol of the poor in spirit, the meek, and the pure in heart.

Maybe that’s one reason God sent Jesus to us as an infant. In His first appearance, He reminds us of the good, the pure, and the hope that we hold. He touches the hearts of those around Him, softening them by His very presence.

So I’ll take some time this Christmas season to find joy in Jesus the baby. During this period of busyness, I’ll occasionally turn my eyes from the pain and suffering around me without accusing myself of denial or escapism. I’ll receive that joy as a gift from God to be remembered and celebrated at least once a year. Later, I’ll recall the sorrow and the injustice in my world. But right now I’ll rest in the joy and peace and hope that the angels declared to the shepherds and that the Baby stirs in the hearts of all who come near to Him.