The Gift of Joy

Luke 2:8-14

Verse 10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

    There is no denying Christmas is the time for joy.  Yes, there are those who are not being overwhelmed with happiness during the holidays because of things going on in life, but for the Christian there should still be an element of joy because Christmas is about Christ.

    We aren’t going to ignore that some will be looking at an empty chair this year as a loved one has passed.  Or maybe more than one chair.  There are also those who have lost hope of the life they thought would be theirs as relationships were broken or jobs lost.  There may be recent health diagnoses that are dampening our spirits and thoughts of what the next year will bring.  There are so many things that try to cloud the pure joy of the season.

    There was a lot going on around the time of Jesus’ birth as well.  A census so they could be taxed, a long journey while extremely pregnant, many relatives around – many of which you don’t know well, and who knows how many other awkward moments.  As most women would tell us, there are moments during the process of birth where the joy of the occasion is not as recognizable.  And yet, the moment the baby is there and fingers and toes have been counted, the joy is something that can be described.

    This is a glimpse of the joy the angel was telling the shepherds about.  They were in a moment of fear.  They had been going about their job watching the sheep and making sure that there were no dangers around and then out of nowhere pops an angel!  We can be sure there wasn’t instant joy at that surprise encounter!

    The angel wasn’t bringing the joy for the men in the fields.  The heavenly messenger was only bringing the news of the One who would bring the great joy.  Just as Mary and Joseph were realizing the joy of the Son of God in their arms, the shepherds learned the joy of this Baby born that night.  Joy wasn’t found that night, it was given.  Jesus is the gift of eternal joy.

Making It Personal

    When did you find the joy of Christ in your life?  How do you hold onto the joy of Christ when things are rough in life?  How do you express your joy?

Making It Personal Kids

    How does Jesus bring you joy?  How is joy different than just being happy?  What does the joy of Jesus look like in your life?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for the joy only You can give.  Help us understand that Your joy is not like the happiness that is dependent on our circumstances, but is something that is given to us from You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.