Our focus is on Luke 2:8-11, the timeless passage that recounts the angelic announcement to shepherds in the fields. In a time of political, promise, and religious fatigue, God’s glorious message pierced through the darkness, heralding good tidings of great joy: the birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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 2:8-11
As we delve into this theme of joy, we recognize the diverse ways the New Testament describes the singular gospel. This series aims to present a comprehensive view of the richness that Christ has bestowed upon us. Today, in the Gospel of Great Joy, we navigate through the layers of joy that resonate with the core message of Christmas.
Reflect for a moment on a time in your life when you received good news. Perhaps it was a job offer, an acceptance letter, an affirmative answer to a proposal, news of an upcoming addition to your family, or a clean bill of health. The emotions that accompanied that news likely brought profound joy, demonstrating the impact of positive messages on our lives.
In a world burdened with political, economic, and emotional fatigue, our mission is to declare and demonstrate the good news of the gospel. Like the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, God desires to bring great joy into our lives through the gospel.
Often used interchangeably, joy and happiness are distinct. While happiness depends on external circumstances, joy is an internal, lasting state of contentment. Rooted in the truths of the gospel, joy can coexist with earthly pain, providing strength and assurance.
Joy thrives not in the absence of troubles but in the midst of them. Embracing trials with faith can lead to joy, as hardships are used by God to strengthen and refine us. Your circumstances do not determine your joy; it was secured in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Joy is a spiritual fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, cultivated through understanding Christ’s work and our identity in Him. While the Holy Spirit is the primary cultivator of joy, we play a role in creating an environment conducive to its growth.
As we approach the Christmas season (or whenever you take the time to read this), let’s intentionally cultivate an atmosphere of joy. Be aware of God’s presence, forgive quickly, remind yourself of God’s love daily, embrace laughter, and practice generosity. By plowing the ground of our hearts, we create space for the Holy Spirit to produce a harvest of joy in our lives.
In conclusion, let’s declare great joy over our lives, homes, and workplaces. May the peace, joy, hope, and love available in the gospel overflow in your lives.
We exist to declare + demonstrate the gospel to everyone, everyday, everywhere.