Joy to the World

Joy to the World
By Don Vess

The night Jesus was born was quiet, ordinary — just another night under the stars for a group of shepherds. No kings, no crowds, no celebration. Yet, suddenly, heaven opened.

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today…”
Luke 2:10-11

God sent the greatest announcement the world had ever known, not to rulers or priests, but to shepherds — men on the fringe of society, unnoticed by the world, but not unseen by God.

Heaven Comes to the Humble

Shepherds were considered the “lowly commoners,” but heaven came to them.

This tells us something about God:
•His love reaches down to the lowly.
•His joy is offered to all people.
•No one is too insignificant for His attention.

Jesus came for sinners, for the broken, for the weary…
for us.

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Joy Comes With Forgiveness

The psalmist, David — himself once a shepherd — understood this joy:

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience/sin is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!”
Psalm 32:1 NLT

There can be no deep joy where sin is hidden.
David said:

“When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away…”
(v. 3)

Sin dries up our strength.

But then:

“I confessed all my sins to You…
And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
(v. 5)

Forgiveness brings life, freedom, peace, and joy.

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Joy Is Found in Jesus

It is no accident that the Messiah was born:
•In a manger — a place for sheep
•In Bethlehem — “House of Bread”
•Announced to shepherds — men who understood sheep

Jesus is the Great Shepherd who leads us, loves us, and lays down His life for us.

“Unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.”
Psalm 32:10

There is joy for those who trust Him.

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Have You Experienced This Joy?

If you have received Jesus, then this joy is yours.

If you haven’t, it is freely offered.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
John 3:16

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to us — not in royalty but in humility.
Thank You for bringing joy to all people, beginning with those who felt forgotten.
Search my heart. Show me any sin I’ve tried to hide.
I confess and receive Your forgiveness.
Fill me with Your joy, and help me share it with others.
Amen.