JOY TO THE WORLD
- bcorley8
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Christmas is fast approaching, with just a week left. Upon entering the department store today, it was apparent that Christmas 2025 would soon come to a close. Everything is discounted, which is excellent for business. I haven't shopped much because I've been busy, and the empty shelves made me feel like I “missed Christmas.” Not so much the busyness of the season, but the joys of Christmas time.
Jesus's birth is a time of great joy. There was an excited angel; after nearly 4,000 years, the day had finally arrived. Jesus Christ was born! We find him in heaven, pacing back and forth, waiting for an early-morning riser so he could share the good news. Morning, however, wasn't coming fast enough.
The angel suddenly has a brilliant idea! The shepherds! Yes, of course. They are always awake, keeping an eye on their sheep. So with the glory of the Lord shining all around him, he flies to a field near Jesus' birthplace.
"Whoa!" exclaimed the shepherds! "You scared us half to death!"
Quickly calming their fears, he says, “Listen up, fellows. I come bearing great, joyous news. And this isn’t just for you, but for all people. How cool is that?”
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD. You’ll find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host appears, praising God with loud singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Sounds of that first Christmas flowed joyously in every direction. All because of one angel's eagerness to announce Jesus' birth.
Joy can show up when we least expect it. – Lk 2:8-10
o The shepherds were abiding in the fields, watching over their sheep, just like they did every other night. “and, lo, (or suddenly!) the angel of the Lord came upon them…”
Joy is available to ALL people. – Luke 2:8-10
o God is not a respecter of persons. Society considered the shepherds “low-class.” But note, the angel did not go to the king or someone we would deem “important,” rather the angel went to what others regarded as second-class citizens…fulfilling God’s promise “…which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10).
The message of Jesus is Joy. – Luke 2:10
o This was not just a joyful message; it was a “message of joy.”
True joy cannot be contained. – Luke 2:13
o God said to the angels, I need one of you to go tell the shepherds about my Son, Jesus. So, one angel went…however, the other angels (a multitude) could not contain their excitement and just had to come down and rejoice with the shepherds over the good news!
Joy expresses God’s character. – Lk 2:14
o God is not all stressed out, full of gloom and doom. He is the God of hope who fills us with joy and peace (Romans 15:13). When others see the joy of the Lord in our lives, our lights shine brightly for Him.
Joy is to be shared. – Luke 2:15-18
o God’s word says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). If we allow the stress of the holidays to rob us of our joy, others will hear about it as we moan and groan our way through. And the message of joy will be lost.
Joy motivates us to keep on keeping on for Jesus. – Luke 2:20
o Note that the shepherds returned to what they were doing, “watching the sheep.” Their outward circumstances did not change, but on the inside, they were glorifying and praising God.
Although I thought today that I had missed the "joy" of the season, these scriptures remind me that joy is available year-round. Not just on days when we celebrate.
KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
How do you keep joy in the forefront throughout the year? Here are a few suggestions:
Instead of Secret Santa, begin in January and become a "Secret Sister." Each month, send a card or small gift. In December, reveal your identity.
Pick someone to share a gift with not only on their birthday or anniversary, but also on every holiday, such as Valentine's Day, Easter, etc.
Write a monthly prayer and share it with a friend.
Plan to visit a nursing home or hospital monthly or several times a year.
Arrange a monthly or quarterly gathering with neighbors and serve a simple meal or dessert.
Plan a monthly game night or once a quarter.
What ways do you share joy throughout the year? We'd love to read your comments.
Last night at our discipleship group we exchanged mugs and inside the mugs we were told to put 2 of our prayer requests that whoever gets our mug will pray for us for the next year. I started praying the prayer requests I received this morning and can't wait to see what God is going to do with them. It is exciting to think about and fills me with joy! Thanks for all the suggestions above. I took a picture of them and will pray about which ones to work on! God bless you all!