Bliss. What do you think of when you hear that word?
When I hear the word “bliss” I define it more as a feeling. Bliss is that feeling of joy, contentment and peace after a productive day. It’s that feeling of “ahhh” when you sink into your bed at night, that first sip of coffee in the morning, or soaking in the tub with all the time in the world. It’s the satisfaction of having a clean house with all the laundry done and everything in its place and a fresh smell in the air. Bliss is sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll into shore, sinking your toes into the sand. Bliss is your child’s arms around your neck, a surprise visit from a friend, or finding that stack of letters from your spouse when you were first dating and losing track of time as you read through each precious line.
The dictionary defines bliss as: noun: perfect happiness; great joy.
This is the time of year that we celebrate Christmas. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. In the Bible, the book of Luke, chapter 2 tells us the story of Jesus’ birth.
I found it interesting that “great joy” is found in this story. After Jesus’ birth, angels announced his birth to shepherds. Luke 2:8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon the, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ”
You’ve heard the terms “follow your bliss,” “find your bliss.” I submit to you that baby in a manger, the sinless Son of God who gave himself the only sacrifice for sin, is the true Bliss. If you are trying to find your bliss in anything or in anyone other than Jesus, you will remain empty and void of true joy. Only Jesus can satisfy that longing in your soul.
Those shepherds didn’t just hear the heavenly birth announcement. They went looking for that savior. Luke 2:15, 16 “And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
Once the shepherds found Jesus, Luke 2:20 says, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
You’ve heard of Jesus.
Have you sought him?
When you find him, will you accept him? You will not be the same.
