Luke 2:8-18 (ESV)
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. 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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”
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.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
Joyful Meditations:
– What is joy? Joy is settled satisfaction and contentment with who the Lord is and what He is doing. It produces a multitude of experiences, emotions, and passions. It is distinct from happiness, which is entirely circumstantial and primarily emotional.
– No one can deprive you of joy, nor take it from you. Remember David? Because of his own sin, he lost the joy of the Lord, and he prayed the Lord would restore it to him. (Psalm 51:12)
– Joy is a gift from God and a fruit of His Spirit, but do not take it for granted.Through His joy, you will finish life on earth well and be carried to victory even when you fail or significant losses come your way.