But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy …” Luke 2:10c

Devotion

When was the last time you felt great joy? Not just relief, or a passing moment of happiness, but something deeper—something that bubbled up and surprised you. Maybe at the laughter of a child, the quiet beauty of a sunrise, or an unexpected gesture of kindness that reached into a weary day. Joy is mysterious, because it does not depend on happiness or benevolent conditions. Joy is resilient, even in the face of sorrow. 

Biblical joy goes even deeper. Joy is a deep, steady gladness that takes root in the soul. It’s anchored not in how things are going, but in who God is. It’s rooted in his goodness, his faithfulness, his presence with us—especially when life is hard.

That’s why the angel’s words in Luke 2 are so extraordinary. He doesn’t bring a “very important announcement.” He delivers good news that will cause great joy. Not just for the shepherds—but for all people. And remember where this news is delivered: not in a palace or temple, but in the dark fields outside Bethlehem, to men whose lives were hard, hidden, and mostly forgotten. Joy arrives not in celebration, but in obscurity. And it doesn’t wait for conditions to improve—it lights up the night.

This joy, says the angel, is tied to the good news: a Savior has been born. Jesus—God with us. The Source of joy is not a change in the shepherds’ situation, but the arrival of a Person. The word Advent means coming, or arrival. In this liturgical season every year, Christians around the world pause in quiet sanctuaries, cathedrals, worship venues, and homes to light candles, ushering in the Light of the World. We don’t have to grope in the dark, because Emmanuel has come to be with us. Jesus is the source of that mysterious joy that seems to emerge from down deep inside. Theologian and pastor Eugene Peterson put it this way: “Joy is not a requirement of Christian life; it is a consequence.” We don’t chase joy—we receive it when we draw near to Jesus.

Like the twinkle lights we see at Christmastime, joy can change the landscape. It may not remove our suffering, but it can shine through it. It is the Spirit’s quiet witness that Christ is here, and that even in sorrow, there is reason to sing.

PRAYER

Jesus, Light of the World, thank you for being the source of true joy. Let your presence fill our hearts, especially when joy feels far away. Shine through our sorrow, and remind us that we are never alone. Amen.

Deidre Franklin
Pastor, Spiritual Formation

Practice

When joy bubbles up this week, take a moment to savor it and name it—no matter how small. Write it down or share it with someone. Then thank God for it. If you're struggling to name joy, ask the Holy Spirit to help you see it again.

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