In Luke 2:10-11 we read this: “But the angel said to them, “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.”

Arthur Gossip wrote, “The New Testament is the happiest thing in literature, with the sound of singing in it everywhere; opening with the choir of angels over Bethlehem and closing with the Hallelujah chorus of the redeemed. No matter how you look at it, the gospel is good news of great joy.”

So my question to all of us at this time of the year is, “Do you have joy?” I think to answer that, we need to ask the question, “What is joy?”

Why did the angel proclaim Christ’s birth as an occasion of great joy? How can you and I have everlasting joy? Webster defines joy as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. The one thing I’ve realized in life is, joy is not happiness.

I know we tend to equate “happiness” with joy but they are two totally different ideas. Happiness comes from the world around me. Happiness is conditioned by and often dependent upon what is “happening” to me. In essence, happiness is dependent upon my circumstances.

Joy is different. It is not affected by external happenings. Joy is a state of mind characterized by peace, a stability despite life’s inconsistencies. In our complicated world, the search for joy seems futile. We discover joy cannot be found in pleasure.

Like King Solomon, Lord Byron lived a life of extravagant pleasure. At the end of his life, he wrote: “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.” It can’t be found in wealth and riches. Jay Gould was one of the wealthiest men of his time. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” It isn’t about prestige or fame. We see all the time the fickleness of society. One day a hero and a goat the next!

So why did the angel proclaim Christ’s birth as an occasion for great joy? It meant the fulfillment of a great hope. Luke 2:11 “For today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” This was first promised to humanity back in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3:15, God said, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers…” The hope of the nation of Israel was being fulfilled the very night that the angel as God fulfilled His promise of providing the Messiah, the Anointed One of Israel.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” It all comes back to the promise of God… He always keeps His word! D.L. Moody said, “God never made a promise that was too good to be true.” And God has never made a promise that He will not keep.

So getting back to the original question, “How can you and I have everlasting joy?” We can have great joy because God gave His son to reconcile us unto Him as our Father and God. Remember this definition of joy: a state of mind characterized by peace and stability despite life’s inconsistencies. This world’s joy is small, its delight is marginal, but heaven has sent us joy immeasurable and indescribable.

The truth of Christmas is this: Jesus Christ is the only source of real, everlasting joy. John 15:11 says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Putting your faith, your life in the hands of Christ results in joy.

The angel declared, 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.” There is great joy in that God kept His promise to provide a Deliverer, a Savior – Jesus Christ, God incarnate. Have you received that joy?

Christmas is a reminder to all of us of the forgiveness God has provided for us and the resulting joy. Take advantage of it. We don’t know how long the offer will stand?