One of the most beautiful gifts of expression that God has given to us is a smile. A smile is a facial expression or agreeable appearance, which indicates pleasure. For Believers, a smile can be a reflection of the joy that is deep within.

            As I began to write this article, I looked around at the smiles of people. Did you know that a smile could even be the deciding factor in the hiring process?  I began to wonder if Jesus smiled. So I began to search the scriptures in different versions using the key word ”smile”. I found nothing to indicate that Jesus smiled.  Then I remembered that He is our High Priest who experienced and understood the weakness of our flesh.  So, could it be that during the thirty-three years that Jesus was on the earth, that He smiled? “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” (Luke 21: 25).

            Sometimes a smile precedes laughter. The first thought is of Sarah in Genesis 18: 12, where she “laughed within herself.”  She laughed within herself after hearing the word of the Lord concerning her conception of Isaac.  Believers always remember this about Sarah. But if you search the scriptures you will find that in Genesis 17: 15-19, that Abraham laughed first. Even though Sarah denied laughing, the Lord’s response is one that transcends the ages. “Is there anything to hard for the Lord.” (Genesis 18: 14).  

            During this season of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, there is always much joy and laughter, which of course is related to the smile. I began to think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Did she smile when the angel informed her that she was chosen to carry the Word made flesh, the Son of God? Did she smile when “the Holy Ghost came upon her and the power of the Highest overshadowed her?”  (Luke 1: 35).  When Mary visited Elisabeth and spoke, Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and “as soon as the voice of Mary’s salutation sounded in her ears, the babe leaped in her womb for joy.” (Luke 1:44).

            There was an announcement of joy at the birth of Jesus. “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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 10-11).  Were the angels smiling as they praised God? Did the shepherds smile at the sight of the Holy One? As they returned to their fields, did they smile because they were the first to know the secret of salvation?

            What about those who had searched and waited for the promise of a Savior? Most would think on the wise men that had traveled far. But Simeon, who the Lord “revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2; 26).  Did Simeon smile when he took Jesus in his arms in the temple? Did he smile when he looked upon the face of the salvation of the world?

            Anna, one who “ departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day,” had an unusual commitment. (Luke 2: 37). Because of her commitment, she did not miss her moment. She saw the redemption of the world and spoke of Him in Jerusalem.

            Recently, my sister gave me a book titled "Face of Forgiveness" by Steven Katzman. The book is full of faces of the redeemed. Many pictures of faces with tears of joy and many faces with smiles. Does your smile reflect the joy, the deep feeling within? Can your smile reflect the victory of salvation and not only at Christmas? Every now and then, Believers need a private smile moment. Every time you smile you are saying to the enemy, 'I belong to Jesus'. In spite of the circumstances, take a moment to remember that God loved you so much that He would put on an earth suit (flesh), be born as a baby, which He had never been, grow into an adult, to be crucified just for you. It was all in His master plan.  Your smile will unleash the force of joy of knowing that Jesus is with you.  As you smile think on this. Is Jesus smiling because you are smiling?

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

 (Matthew 1:23).

(c)

Copyright November 2010