by Desiree Bustamante

Experience true joy the world can’t touch.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.”
Psalm 9:1-3 New Living Translation

The Shepherds were protecting sheep in a field just like any average night under the stars. Then angels appeared and proclaimed the amazing news of Jesus’ arrival—that He was the one to fulfill the promise of a Messiah who would save them, made long ago to their ancestors. The announcement led them to where Jesus was born, and they rejoiced in awe when they saw the baby who was to be the salvation for us all.

Jesus is the only way to unshakeable joy. We may pursue happiness, but that is not the same as experiencing joy. Happiness often vanishes when something goes wrong. Joy can thrive amid all things on this earth—sadness, heartbreak, poverty, evil—when we go to Jesus with open hearts and have faith in His promises to us.

Even though you may never experience angels appearing with such amazing and joyful news, that same joy can be yours today regardless of what is happening to you or in the world. Jesus’ birth fills our souls with joy and assures us the promised future with Him is true. No storms or circumstances can separate you from His love or His promises. He came to this earth to become a human sacrifice, leaving everything behind—His kingship, His power and His authority—to rescue us from a joyless future.

As Christmas approaches, may you find real joy by believing in the promised One. Have faith that this child was sent in love for you. Jesus is the greatest joy of all!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado