Rejoice a child is born, to us a son is given, who is our Prince of Peace!

Imagine a cold and quiet night in the countryside. Shepherds sit around a dim fire, their faces weathered from the long hours of watching over their sheep. Their work is thankless, their lives simple, and the world barely notices their existence. Yet, they have a quiet rhythm to their lives—a rhythm that is occasionally broken by the dangers of wild animals or the monotony of long nights.  

It is on such an ordinary night that the extraordinary happens. The sky suddenly bursts with light, and an angel appears with a proclamation that changes everything: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).  

In that moment, the shepherds’ ordinary night becomes extraordinary, and their joy is rooted in something far greater than their circumstances. The angel declares a joy that isn’t fleeting or tied to human achievement. It’s a joy that springs from the birth of a Savior—the joy of knowing that God Himself has come to dwell among His people.  

Today, as we reflect on this message, we’ll explore the source of joy in Jesus, the difference between fleeting happiness and lasting joy, and how we can rejoice in the Lord, even in the midst of life’s challenges.  

Luke 2:8-14

The angel’s message to the shepherds begins with a simple yet profound reassurance: “Do not be afraid.” Fear, so often, is the barrier that keeps us from experiencing joy. Imagine the shepherds, ordinary men tending their flocks in the quiet of the night, suddenly confronted by the brilliant glory of the Lord and an angelic messenger. The terror they must have felt is understandable, but it is replaced by awe as they hear the angel’s next words: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

This good news was not about fleeting happiness or temporary relief from their hardships. The source of this joy was a person—Jesus Christ. The angel announced that in the town of David, a Savior had been born, who is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11). This wasn’t just another ruler or teacher; this was the long-awaited Savior, God Himself stepping into history to redeem humanity and reconcile us to Himself.

The angel’s announcement was followed by an incredible display as a host of angels appeared, praising God and declaring, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14). This divine proclamation revealed that the joy brought by Jesus is universal. It transcends time, place, and status. The shepherds—lowly and often overlooked—were among the first to hear it, showing that God’s joy is for everyone.

The joy the angels announced is rooted in God’s love for us. As John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is the heart of the good news: God’s love is so great that He sent His Son to save us, to bridge the gap caused by sin, and to bring us into His family.

What makes this joy different from worldly happiness is its eternal nature. The joy found in Jesus is not tied to circumstances but to the unchanging truth of who He is. Worldly happiness is often temporary, dependent on external factors like success, wealth, or comfort. But the joy that Jesus brings is enduring, rooted in the knowledge that we are loved, forgiven, and promised eternal life.

This joy is not just for the shepherds or the people of that time. It is available to us today because the message of the angel is still true: Jesus has come. Through Him, we have access to peace with God and a relationship that transforms every aspect of our lives. As Paul writes in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This Advent, as we reflect on the angel’s proclamation, let us remember that our joy comes from the Savior who was born in Bethlehem. No matter what we face, we can rejoice because our joy is rooted in Jesus, the unchanging and eternal source of good news and great joy.

The Difference Between Happiness and Joy   

In our culture, happiness is often seen as the ultimate goal—a feeling of contentment when everything aligns perfectly. It’s what we feel when we succeed in our career, when relationships are smooth, or when life’s pleasures satisfy our desires. However, happiness is fleeting. It’s like the morning dew that disappears as the sun rises. As soon as circumstances shift—when challenges arise, or something we depend on is taken away—happiness can vanish, leaving us searching for the next moment of satisfaction.  

Joy, on the other hand, is profoundly different. Unlike happiness, joy is not dependent on circumstances. It is deeper, more enduring, and rooted in something—or rather Someone—eternal. Paul writes in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This is not a suggestion but a command to rejoice always, no matter the situation. What makes this remarkable is that Paul penned these words from a prison cell, facing uncertainty and hardship. If anyone had reason to complain or despair, it was Paul. Yet he chose joy.  

What allowed Paul to rejoice in such dire circumstances? His joy was not tied to his physical conditions or the events around him but to his relationship with Christ. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul continues, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul knew that the peace and presence of God were greater than any trial he faced.  

This joy is unshakable because it is anchored in eternal truths. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” This strength is not about physical resilience but about a spiritual assurance that God is with us, loves us, and is sovereign over our lives. Joy in the Lord gives us the power to persevere, the hope to endure, and the confidence to face life’s difficulties with faith.  

Consider the difference between happiness and joy this way: Happiness is like a balloon that floats as long as the wind of circumstances holds it up. Joy, however, is like a tree with deep roots, grounded in the soil of God’s promises. Even when storms come, the tree stands firm because its roots draw life from a source that cannot be shaken.  

This joy sustains us through trials and hardship. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Joy does not ignore pain or pretend struggles do not exist. Instead, it looks beyond the immediate to see God’s greater purpose and trust in His faithful presence.  

In a world chasing after fleeting happiness, the joy of the Lord offers a steady foundation. It reminds us that we are deeply loved, eternally forgiven, and securely held by the God who never changes. This Advent season, let us fix our hearts on this unshakable joy—a joy that endures regardless of our circumstances and shines as a testimony to the goodness and grace of our Savior.  

Life often feels like a journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. Whether it’s struggles in relationships, disappointments in careers, or trials that test the very foundation of our faith, difficulties are an inevitable part of the human experience. Yet, even amid these hardships, Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-7 call us to an extraordinary response: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” 

This call to rejoice is not about ignoring or denying the reality of our struggles. It’s not about pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Instead, rejoicing in the Lord is about shifting our focus away from our circumstances and onto the unchanging character and faithfulness of God. Paul offers a profound key to this in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  

When we bring our worries and struggles to God in prayer, we are reminded that we are not alone. God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control, even when life feels chaotic. His love reminds us that He cares deeply about our burdens. As we surrender our anxieties to Him, we open our hearts to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace does not necessarily change our circumstances, but it changes us—guarding our hearts and minds and enabling us to find joy even in trials.  

Rejoicing in the Lord during trials is also a powerful testimony of our faith. It speaks to the world about where our hope truly lies. When we choose joy amid hardship, we demonstrate that our confidence is not in temporary things but in an eternal Savior. James 1:2-3 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Trials have a way of refining us, strengthening our trust in God, and deepening our dependence on Him.  

This doesn’t mean that trials are easy or enjoyable. They can be painful, disorienting, and long-lasting. However, joy in the Lord transcends those feelings. It is rooted in the assurance that God is working all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even when we cannot see the full picture, we can trust in the One who holds it.  

Take, for example, Paul himself. When he wrote the letter to the Philippians, he was imprisoned, facing uncertainty about his future. Yet his heart was filled with joy—not because of his external circumstances, but because of his unwavering relationship with Christ. He knew that Christ was with him, sustaining him, and that nothing could separate him from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).  

This Advent season, let us follow Paul’s example by choosing to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of what we are facing. Let us remember that our joy is not rooted in the shifting sands of our circumstances but in the steadfast love and grace of God. When we choose to focus on Him, we find a joy that no trial can take away, a peace that no storm can overcome, and a hope that carries us forward.  

This is a season that puts you in the middle of a crowded marketplace. The air is filled with noise—people shouting, merchants bargaining, footsteps rushing past. You feel small and unnoticed in the chaos, burdened by the relentless pace of life. Then, unexpectedly, you hear your name. You look up and see a familiar face—a friend who gently beckons you to step away from the crowd. They lead you to a quiet, serene space where you can finally breathe, rest, and find peace.  

This is the essence of Advent. In the noise and busyness of life, Jesus calls us by name and invites us into His joy. It’s not a joy that depends on our circumstances, accomplishments, or possessions. It’s not a fleeting feeling that changes with the wind. Instead, it is a lasting, unshakable joy rooted in who Jesus is—the Savior of the world, the Prince of Peace, and the source of eternal hope.  

The angel’s message to the shepherds is for us as well: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This joy is for everyone, regardless of where they’ve been or what they’ve done. It is the joy of knowing that God loves us, forgives us, and walks with us.  

As we light the Advent candle of joy, let us respond to this invitation. Turn away from the fleeting happiness the world promises and embrace the deeper joy found in Christ. Share this joy with others—through your words, actions, and love—so they too may experience the good news of great joy and the peace that comes with it. In Christ, our joy is complete.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of joy that comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In a world that often feels overwhelming, help us to find our joy in You. Teach us to rejoice in the midst of trials, to trust in Your promises, and to share Your joy with those around us.  

Lord, as we journey through this Advent season, may our hearts be filled with the joy of knowing You. Let our lives reflect the good news of great joy, so that others may come to know the Savior who brings peace, hope, and joy to the world.  

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.