fbpx
The Gift of Joy

The Gift of Joy

Joy bursts onto every scene of the nativity story in scripture. It is the shared experience of all who are encountering the good news of Christ’s birth. The shepherds hear the declaration of this great joy from angels, and this changes their lives. They encounter God’s glory around them; explore the meaning; experience God with them; express their newfound joy by giving glory back to God; and then share it with others. We are invited to a similar journey—to unwrap the gift of this good news of great joy. It is for all people. It is for you. It is for me. It is for Pine Lake Covenant Church. It is for the world.

Luke 2:8-20

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Watch HereWatch on FacebookWatch on YouTube