Advent Part 5 : Joy

Unshakable Joy: Finding the Depths of Christmas Joy

When we think of joy, what comes to mind? Is it a fleeting moment of happiness when everything goes your way, or is it something deeper—something that endures even in the midst of life’s trials? True joy, especially the joy that comes from knowing Jesus, transcends circumstances. It’s not about the quantity of joyful moments but the quality of the joy itself.

The announcement of Jesus’ birth reveals a joy that is unique and unshakable. Let’s explore the greater heights, lengths, and depths of this joy.

#1: Greater Joy, Greater Heights

The angel’s announcement in Luke 2:10 proclaimed “good news of great joy” that would change the course of history. But this joy wasn’t confined to the shepherds alone. Luke 2:13-14 says:

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”

This joy soared to the highest heavens as the angels praised God, and it descended to the lowly shepherds on earth. God’s glory reached its pinnacle, and with it, so did the joy of those who witnessed this moment. The joy that began in heaven made its way to earth, bridging the divine and the human.

When God is most glorified, we find our deepest satisfaction and joy. This heavenly joy lifts our spirits to new heights, allowing us to rise above life’s challenges.

#2: Greater Joy, Greater Lengths

Christmas joy is not limited by boundaries. The angel declared in Luke 2:10:

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

This joy transcends social, racial, and cultural divides. It is for everyone—shepherds and kings, men and women, the rich and the poor. It is a joy for all nations and all generations.

The good news of Jesus’ birth is not a tribal joy confined to a select few. It is a joy that stretches to the farthest corners of the earth, bringing hope to all who hear it.

#3: Greater Joy, Greater Depths

This joy also reaches profound depths, entering the darkest places of fear, grief, and suffering. Before the angel proclaimed joy, the shepherds experienced “great fear” as the glory of the Lord surrounded them (Luke 2:9).

But this great joy did not deny the reality of sorrow. The child born in Bethlehem would grow up to be “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). From His humble birth in a manger to His death on the cross, Jesus faced rejection, suffering, and betrayal. Yet, through His suffering, He secured our unshakable joy.

Even death could not extinguish this joy. Jesus Himself promises in John 16:22:

“You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

This is a joy that withstands every trial, cheers us in our grief, and strengthens us in our fears.

A Joy That Cannot Be Taken Away

This Christmas, let us embrace the joy that Jesus brings. It’s not situational or fleeting—it’s eternal and secure. As believers, our joy is not tied to our circumstances, relationships, or possessions. It comes from the Lord, and nothing can take it away.

Repeat this truth: “No one will take my joy from me.”

May this unshakable joy fill your heart and sustain you, not just during the Christmas season but every day. Rejoice in the great heights, lengths, and depths of the joy that comes from Jesus—the joy that the world didn’t give and cannot take away.