I want us to think briefly on a theme that was interwoven throughout our program today and the Christmas story itself, and that theme is joy.
This comes from Luke 2:10-11. The angel of the Lord came to the shepherds and said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord.’”
We live in a world that is often not joy inducing. Just look at the headlines on any day, in any given paper and you will see stories and pictures of suffering, injustice, and death. And in our own lives we all experience our share of pain, sadness and even despair at times . And because of this – – – we often struggle with joy.
And yet the angel of the Lord comes and says, “I bring you good news of a great joy.”
Christian teaching 