Christmas Cards from God: Joy
A Message of Joy from the Angels
The heart of the Christmas story, as told in the Gospel of Luke, centers on the shepherds who were visited by an angel proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10). This message of joy is not just historical. It is a Christmas card from God to us today, inviting us to live a life filled with joy.
What Is True Joy?
The sermon explores a direct question: Do you live with joy? True joy, as depicted in the Bible, is not mere happiness or a fleeting emotional state. It is strength that comes from God. This joy is a lifeline. It is a divine gift that empowers believers to navigate life’s challenges and temptations.
Jesus’ Prayer for Joy
In John 17:13, Jesus prays that His followers would have the “full measure of my joy within them.” This prayer highlights joy as a vital source of spiritual strength, even as Jesus faced His greatest trials. Joy is not superficial. It is deep-rooted strength that enables perseverance.
The Joy of the Lord as Strength
The sermon references Nehemiah 8:10, where Nehemiah tells the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This moment came after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The people were reminded to celebrate God’s deliverance instead of mourning past failures. Joy here means moving forward with strength and purpose.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus modeled this joy as He endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). His anticipation of returning to the Father and securing salvation for humanity gave Him strength. Joy sustained Him through unimaginable suffering and kept Him faithful to His mission.
Applying Joy in Our Lives
- Return to the joy of salvation. Psalm 51:12 urges us to seek the joy of God’s salvation continually, remembering the grace that saved us and the mercy that forgives us daily.
- Joy in obedience. Joy comes from knowing what to do and actually doing it. Obedience to God’s Word produces joy, as Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.”
- Anticipating eternal joy. Joy is rooted in the hope of eternity with God. Psalm 16:11 promises, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Conclusion
This Christmas season, the message is clear. Embrace the joy God offers through Christ. This joy is not just a feeling. It is strength. It sustains us. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, remember His prayer for our joy. Live in that strength. The best is still ahead.