The good news that the angel brought the shepherds was to be great joy to all people. It brings great joy because it is the good news that God sent the Savior to redeem sinners. That wonderful news produces joy that is “inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Pet. 1:8). It is interesting to note that joy was not only announced at Jesus’s birth, but it surrounded His birth. Before His birth, Mary went to visit Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. When Mary entered the room, the baby in the womb of Elizabeth leaped for joy within her (Lk. 1:44). Mary sang a song of joy, saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (vv. 46–47).

Sometime later, the wise men from the east, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Mt. 2:10). The birth of the Lord Jesus was the means of joy to those who accepted and sought His presence in their lives.

This world is lacking joy because people refuse the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior! They try to replace true joy with artificial and temporary happiness. But for those who accept Him as the Savior of the world, as their personal Lord and Savior, He gives joy. The words “joy” and “rejoice” occur over 130 times in the New Testament, which tells us that the gospel is a joyful message and living the Christian life should be a joyful experience. This joy is to permeate our lives so that we might have joyful faith and hope even in times of trials (Rom. 5:1–5), and be able to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4).