Life is a tapestry of moments, each thread weaving together experiences that shape who we are. Amidst the everyday routines and unexpected challenges, there exists a deeper joy that stems from understanding and embracing God’s glory in our lives. This joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a steady source of strength and fulfillment that anchors us through every season.

In Luke Chapter 2, we witness a night that changed everything. Shepherds, ordinary people tending to their flocks, found themselves part of an extraordinary event. An angel appeared, and the radiance of God’s glory enveloped them. Terrified yet filled with awe, they received the news of Jesus’ birth—the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. This moment wasn’t just significant for the shepherds; it was a declaration of joy meant for all humanity.

The angels’ announcement was simple yet profound: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” This joy is rooted in the arrival of Jesus, a beacon of hope and restoration. When we reflect on this, we’re reminded that true joy comes from recognizing God’s presence and the incredible work He’s doing in and through us.

Joy is often misunderstood as mere happiness it’s about something much deeper. Happiness is often based on circumstances, on things that come and go. But joy, true joy, is a result of God’s presence with us. It’s that deep, unshakable peace that we experience when we know we are safe, when we know God’s face shines on us.

Jesus emphasized this joy in His prayer in John 17:13, saying, “Now I am coming to you, and I have told them many things while I am still with you in the world, so that they may be with me where I am and may behold my glory.” His joy isn’t limited to Himself; it’s meant to fill us, transforming how we experience life. This joy reflects God’s glory, illuminating our hearts and guiding our actions.

Think about a time when you’ve been with someone who makes you feel completely safe, loved, and accepted. Maybe it’s a friend, a family member, or even a beloved pet. When you look into their eyes, you feel known and loved. That’s the kind of joy Jesus speaks about—not just a feeling, but a deep connection with Him, a joy that is based on His presence in our lives.

In 2 Corinthians 4:6, we’re reminded that “God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” The joy we experience is directly connected to God’s presence—His glory, seen in the face of Jesus.

Joy also plays a crucial role in our relationships with others. When we’re filled with God’s joy, it radiates outward, fostering compassion, patience, and understanding. Just as the shepherds rushed to Bethlehem to witness the miracle they were told about, our joy can inspire us to share God’s love with those around us. It’s a ripple effect—one act of joy leading to another, creating a community grounded in mutual support and divine love.

Furthermore, God’s joy is intrinsically linked to restoration. It’s about bringing us back to who God created us to be, renewing our spirits, and healing our relationships. Whether we’ve stumbled or faced hardships, His joy lifts us up, reminding us of our inherent worth and the promise of a brighter future. As we navigate through life’s challenges, holding onto this joy helps us stay focused on the bigger picture, trusting that God’s plans for us are filled with hope and renewal.

Living out this joy means making intentional choices that reflect our faith and commitment to God. It’s about prioritizing what’s truly important and letting go of the things that distract us from His presence. When we align our actions with God’s will, we create space for His joy to flourish within us, transforming our lives and those around us.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, let’s remind ourselves of the good news the angels proclaimed: Jesus has come. God is with us. This is a joy that lasts, a joy that fills us from the inside out. Even in the midst of hardship or grief, we can know that this joy is always available to us because it is grounded in God’s unchanging love.

The joy of salvation doesn’t fade with time—it deepens. Just as the shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, we too are invited to live in that joy, sharing it with the world around us. His glory brings our joy. His presence, His salvation, His love—this is the good news that never grows old.

So, today, let’s take a moment to remember the joy that Jesus brought into the world. What would it look like if we lived with that kind of joy every day? What if we, like the shepherds, couldn’t wait to share the good news with everyone we meet?

His glory, our joy—this is the heart of the Christmas story and the heart of our faith. And it’s a joy that’s available to us all, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve faced.