Of all the wonderful promises contained in the Christmas story, the one that seems to be missing the most is “great joy.” How many people do you meet that describe their life as being full of great joy? Yet that is the proclamation by the angels to the shepherds. The Savior of the world would bring good news of great joy for all people. Angels declared joy. Wise men were filled with joy. Mary and Joseph were amazed with joy. The shepherds returned with rejoicing in their hearts. Even John the Baptitst leaped for joy in Elizabeth’s womb.
We could prepare a long list of all the reasons people give for the lack joy in their lives. Some of the general categories include; sickness, stress (physical and emotional), setbacks, suffering, struggles of life, sin in our personal life, and sin in the world. One important aspect of the shepherd’s story that we must consider before identifying some key factors of joy is the unchanging circumstances of their lives. When they returned after seeing the baby Jesus, they were still financially poor. They were still considered the lowest class of the social structure. Sheep still smelled bad and required constant care. They returned to the same wife and kids they had before Jesus was born, but they rejoiced! Their response illustrates a secret to joy that many miss. Circumstances contribute to joy, but they do not control joy.
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