Luke 2:10

Why is there an epidemic of depression, fear, and anxiety among Christians today? Yes, I know that the world is an increasingly unstable and scary place to live. But that has been true for most Christians around the world for all of church history. Friend, the gospel (“good news”) is not some external transaction between you and God that allows you to go to heaven when you die but makes no difference in your life today! The reality of the gospel needs to get inside of us, deep down in our hearts and minds, where it can become the stabilizing, invigorating source of life that it is meant to be. The gospel is the power of God presently in us. And the gospel reality that God is at work in us, that God is sovereign over the affairs of the world, that God’s love constantly flows into our hearts, this changes everything. This enables us to experience Christ-centered joy in all circumstances! 

PASSAGE: Luke 2:10 - "And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

PAUSE: The Gospel brings great joy to all people. Once again, the Gospel simply means “good news.” Great joy is the by-product of having a saving relationship with Jesus Christ! Happiness is tied to what is happening in our lives, but great joy is linked to our relationship with Christ Jesus, who saves us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me joy today. Please help me to live out this good news in my daily life. Allow your Spirit to fill me with your pure and radiant joy.