"A Message Of Great Joy"

The Unshakeable Joy Available to Every Believer

In the midst of life's darkest moments, when circumstances seem overwhelming and hope feels distant, there exists a promise of restoration that echoes through the ages. This promise isn't wishful thinking or temporary happiness—it's the foundation of something far more profound: true, lasting joy.

A Prophet's Message of Hope

Picture this scene: Jerusalem surrounded by enemy forces, the nation facing imminent captivity, and a prophet imprisoned among his own people. What message could possibly bring comfort in such desperate circumstances? Yet it's precisely in this moment that God speaks words of future restoration, promises of healing, and declarations of joy.

The prophecy declares: "I will bring health and healing... I will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth... And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth."

This isn't just ancient history. It's a pattern that reveals how God works in the lives of His people. When everything appears lost, when captivity seems certain, when circumstances scream defeat—that's when God speaks of restoration, healing, and joy.

The Mystery of Available Joy

Here's a truth that might surprise you: joy isn't something you have to manufacture or achieve through perfect circumstances. If you're a believer, you already possess it. Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It's not something you earn; it's something you receive and embrace.

Think of it this way: the fruit is available to you. The question isn't whether you have access to it, but whether you're partaking of it. Many believers walk through life feeling joyless, not because joy isn't available, but because they haven't reached out and taken hold of what's already theirs.

When Your Mission Field Changes

One of the most heartbreaking struggles believers face is feeling they've lost their purpose. Perhaps health issues have limited your abilities. Maybe age has changed what you can physically accomplish. You once dreamed of serving in specific ways, but now those doors seem closed.

"I don't feel like I have any value left."

These words represent a pain many carry silently. But here's the beautiful truth: God hasn't changed your purpose to bless people—He's simply changed your mission field.

Your mission field might now be the doctor's office waiting room instead of the church nursery. It might be the people you encounter in your daily routine rather than a formal ministry position. Your purpose to reflect God's goodness and point others to Him remains unchanged, even when the location and method shift.

The Shepherds Who Felt Worthless

The Christmas story includes a group of people who understood feeling worthless. Shepherds in ancient times were considered unclean—outcasts who weren't even welcome in temple worship because of their profession. They were looked down upon as the lowest of society, with no purpose except keeping sheep alive.

Imagine them in the fields at night, alone with their thoughts. Have you ever been alone with your thoughts when life feels heavy? Your mind starts rehearsing all the things you've done wrong, all the ways you don't measure up, all the reasons you don't have value.

These shepherds probably felt the same way. They were dirty, unclean, unwelcome in religious spaces, and seemingly forgotten by society.

Then an angel appeared.

Their first thought wasn't excitement—it was fear. Surely this heavenly messenger had come to judge them, to condemn them, to confirm everything they already believed about their unworthiness.

But the message was entirely different: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

The Judge Who Loves, Not Condemns

This brings us to a profound truth about Jesus: He is our judge, but He's not sitting in heaven condemning you. Your sins were judged at Calvary. They were nailed to the cross. They are forgiven and pardoned.

Remember the woman caught in adultery? The religious leaders dragged her before Jesus, ready to stone her, eager to execute judgment. But Jesus knelt down and began writing in the dirt. When He finally spoke, He said, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone." One by one, her accusers walked away.

Then Jesus looked at her and asked, "Where are your accusers?" When she confirmed they were gone, He said something remarkable: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

He didn't judge her. He loved her. He forgave her. And He encouraged her to live differently.

If a holy God can look at sinful humanity with such love and grace, how much more does He look at His children—those who have accepted His salvation—with compassion rather than condemnation?

How to Access Your Joy

So how do you tap into the joy that's already yours? Two simple but powerful steps:

First, acknowledge that Jesus is very near. The shepherds didn't have to travel far to find the Savior. He was born in the same country where they tended their flocks. Jesus isn't distant from you today. He hears every cry. He knows every struggle. He is present in your pain.

Second, focus on the Savior. The shepherds "made haste" to see Jesus. They didn't worry about their sheep or their responsibilities in that moment. They prioritized encountering the Savior. When you focus on Jesus, you naturally shift your focus off yourself, off your problems, off your limitations. And in that shift, joy becomes accessible.

The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

Happiness depends on circumstances—getting a new pair of shoes, receiving good news, experiencing pleasant events. But happiness fades when circumstances change, when the shoes wear out, when the good news becomes yesterday's memory.

Joy is different. Joy rides with you to glory. It's neither too big nor too small. It's neither too high nor too low. Joy stays with you for eternity because it's rooted not in circumstances but in the unchanging character of God and the completed work of Christ.

Living as a Name of Joy

The prophecy declared that God's people would be "a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all the nations." This is your calling as a believer—to live in such a way that others see God's goodness through you.

Not walking around in doom and gloom. Not being negative and critical about everything. But living a life of joy because God has been so good to you.

Has God been good to you? He sent His only Son, born of a virgin, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross, shed His blood for your sins, was buried, rose on the third day, defeated death, hell, and the grave, and ascended to the Father. He left behind the Holy Spirit as your comforter and counselor.

That's reason for joy.

This Christmas season, don't settle for temporary happiness based on gifts, gatherings, or favorable circumstances. Reach out and take hold of the joy that's already yours through Christ. It's available. It's waiting. It's a fruit of the Spirit that belongs to you.

And when you embrace it, you become a living testimony to God's goodness—a name of joy, a praise and honor before everyone who sees how good He is to you.