Waiting Witnesses

Last week we talked about peace, the kind of peace that is not dependent on calm circumstances but on a steady anchor. This week, we turn our attention to joy, which works much the same way. Joy from the wrong source can vanish in an instant, but joy from the true source can last for an eternity.

True joy cares little about circumstances, because it is rooted deeper than what is happening around us. As we said before, joy is often killed not by our circumstances, but by our concentration. Joy, biblically speaking, is a settled gladness rooted in God’s presence, promises, and purposes, not in outcomes or control.

The Bible tells one long story of people searching for joy, often in the wrong places. In the beginning, joy was simple. God walked with us, and nothing was missing. But humanity reached for control, and joy shattered. Later, God rescued His people from slavery with power and miracles, yet joy faded quickly in the wilderness. They trusted idols they could see, kings who could fight, and strength they could measure. Each time, joy slipped through their fingers, not because joy was wrong, but because it was misplaced. Joy was never found by reaching. It was always found by remaining.

Then, in the quiet of a Bethlehem night, joy arrived in an unexpected way.

Not in a palace.
Not to rulers.
But in a manger, and first announced to shepherds.

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
Luke 2:10

The shepherds went to see. They found the child. And they could not keep the joy to themselves. Our natural response to true joy is telling others where we found it. Joy is not meant to be hoarded; it is meant to be heralded.

Three Invitations for the Week

Check your source.
False wells always run dry, but Jesus never does.
Jeremiah 2:13

Check your perspective.
Joy grows when our eyes stay fixed on Jesus, even in trials.
James 1:2

Commit your heart.
Joy deepens where obedience and closeness to Christ take root.
John 15:9–11

Remember this week that, Joy has a name, and He stepped into our night. Joy did not avoid the darkness; He was born into it.