“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
Luke 2:10–11
The good news the angel brought to the shepherds was meant to bring great joy to all people. It brings great joy because it is the announcement that God sent the Savior to redeem sinners. This wonderful news produces joy that is “inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Pet. 1:8).
It is interesting to note that joy was not only announced at Jesus’ birth—it surrounded His birth. Before His birth, Mary visited Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary entered the room, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy (Luke 1:44). Mary herself sang a song of joy, saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47).
Sometime later, the wise men from the East followed the star to where the young Child was. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matt. 2:10). The birth of the Lord Jesus brought joy to all who welcomed Him and sought His presence in their lives.
This world lacks true joy because it has rejected the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. People try to replace true joy with artificial and temporary happiness. But for all who receive Him as the Savior of the world—indeed, as their personal Lord and Savior—He gives true joy. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
The words joy and rejoice occur more than 130 times in the New Testament, reminding us that the gospel is a joyful message and that the Christian life should be a joyful experience. Joy comes from knowing the Lord Jesus as your Savior. The Holy Spirit produces this joy within the believer (Gal. 5:22). Though afflictions may come from without, an abundance of joy can still flow from within (1 Thess. 1:6).
Jesus prayed, “that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13). This joy is the fruit of Christ’s life within you, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).
Anchor For Today:
The joy of the Lord is to permeate our lives, giving us joyful faith and hope even in trials (Rom. 5:1–5), and enabling us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).