"I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people."
Luke 2:10
The angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the field. Years ago I visited the Holy Land. On a tour bus outside of Bethlehem, our guide pointed to a place that tradition says was the Shepherd's Field. Supposedly this was the very place where the angel brought the announcement of the birth of Jesus. How many tourists go to that place, but they never experience the great joy that will be for all the people?
The good news of Jesus still brings great joy today. It is the joy of knowing that we have a Savior who came to take away all of our sins. He is a Savior who takes away the guilt and shame of sin. He gives purpose in this life and the promise of everlasting life. When Phillip preached the good news of Jesus in Samaria, many believed and were baptized. The Bible states, "There was great joy in that city," Acts 8:8.
The joy of Jesus Christ comes to our hearts through the Holy Spirit. A fruit of the Spirit of Christ entering our hearts is joy (Galatians 5:22). Only the Spirit of Christ can give us this "joy unspeakable, full of glory." It's not something that we can do for ourselves. It is something that He does in us. It's a joy that the world can't give us, and the world can't take it away. Do you have this joy? It comes from the living Christ. Believe on Him. Ask Him to fill your life with joy.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we believe that You died to take away all of our sins. We confess You as our living Lord. Fill us with Your joy. Amen.
