We fill our lives with stuff that is meant to produce joy, but the Bible tells us that we can fill our lives with a true hope in God. Romans 12:12 reads, “Rejoice in hope!” this means something like, “Let your joy be the joy that comes from hope!” There is a firm relationship between joy and hope.
On the all-important night when it was revealed to the shepherds that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem, the shepherds immediately went to the city of David to verify the news. Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus had required a census (Luke 2:1–3) and through God’s sovereignty, Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–5). Jesus was born, wrapped in cloths, and placed in a manger (Luke 2:6–7).
A powerful moment occurred on that night in Luke’s Gospel because an angel of the Lord also appeared and proclaimed good news for all people (Luke 2:8–12): “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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” A multitude of angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest” (2:14).
The shepherds immediately verified the news and found the baby Jesus lying in a manger (2:15–16). They found the baby just as God had said through the angels. God is always faithful and keeps His Word. The shepherds experienced a holy moment.
After gazing upon the unique and holy God-man, a baby, God incarnate, lying in a feeding trough, “they spread the word (2:17). The hope of the world has come. Joy to the world! The Lord has come!
-Pastor