8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.
2:10-12 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:15
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Luke 2:16-18
16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
The Joyful Life
A Definition of Joy!
Joy is a profound, spiritual emotion and state of being that goes beyond mere happiness.
It is often associated with a deep sense of peace and fulfillment that arises from a close relationship with God.
Real Joy is rooted in faith and is not dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging nature and promises of God.
Real Joy Is...
- A Gift from God: Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Real Joy Is...
- Rooted in God's Presence: Joy is linked to being in God's presence and trusting Him.
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Real Joy Is...
- Strength in Trials: Biblical joy can exist even during difficult times, as it is based on the assurance of God’s love, sovereignty, and eternal promises.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2-3
Real Joy Is...
- Fulfillment of Salvation: Joy often reflects gratitude and amazement at the gift of salvation.
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?
Luke 15:7–8
Real Joy Is...
- Hope for the Future: Joy is often tied to hope in God's promises, including the anticipation of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
