The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace, joy, and celebration, but let’s be honest—sometimes it feels like the opposite. Between endless shopping lists, family dynamics, holiday events, and trying to make everything picture-perfect, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. For many of us, this season can become a whirlwind of chaos that leaves us drained and even a little disappointed. But here’s the good news: real joy doesn’t come from perfect circumstances; it comes from knowing Jesus.
At Heritage Church, we talk a lot about discovering and deepening our faith in Jesus. That’s where joy is found—not in the fleeting highs of a busy season, but in the steady assurance of His presence. Joy is different from happiness. Happiness depends on things going well: the lights working, the family getting along, the cookies not burning. But joy? Joy is deeper. It’s a sense of peace and purpose that stays with us no matter how chaotic things get.
Think about the first Christmas. In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph didn’t have the kind of situation anyone would call joyful at first glance. Far from home, unable to find a proper place to stay, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a humble setting and laid Him in a manger. The word we often translate as “inn” in this story is actually better understood as “guest room.” Jesus wasn’t born in a busy hotel or an isolated stable; He was born in a relative’s home, likely in the lower room where animals were kept at night. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was exactly where God planned for His Son to enter the world.
And who were the first people to hear about this incredible moment? Not kings, not priests, not influencers of their day—but shepherds. Shepherds weren’t considered important or even trustworthy by society. They lived on the outskirts, spending their days and nights caring for sheep, many of which were destined to be sacrifices in the temple. Isn’t it beautiful, then, that these ordinary, overlooked people were chosen to meet Jesus, the Lamb of God who would one day take away the sins of the world?
When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they brought a message of “good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” And that joy wasn’t just for them—it’s for us, too. The shepherds’ circumstances didn’t change after that night. They were still shepherds, still living the same life. But their encounter with Jesus transformed their hearts. They returned to their fields praising God, filled with a joy that couldn’t be taken away.
That same joy is available to us today. At Heritage, we believe joy is a choice we make every day—not because life is easy, but because Jesus is enough. This season, as you navigate the chaos, remember that your joy doesn’t depend on how smooth things go or how much you get done. It depends on your relationship with the Savior who came to bring you peace.
So how do we live out this joy? First, take time to reflect on what’s really stealing your joy. Is it the pressure to meet expectations? The rush to get everything done? Shift your focus to Jesus. Spend time in His Word, talk to Him in prayer, and lean into your church community. Let His presence remind you of what truly matters.
Second, don’t keep this joy to yourself. The angels didn’t just tell the shepherds to keep the news private—they proclaimed it boldly. In the same way, share the joy of Jesus with those around you. Maybe that means inviting a friend to Heritage this Sunday or finding a way to serve someone who’s struggling this season.
Finally, trust that the joy Jesus offers isn’t temporary. It’s not about pretending everything is okay or ignoring the hard stuff in life. It’s about knowing that no matter what happens, you belong to a God who loves you deeply and walks with you every step of the way.
This Christmas, let’s not settle for happiness that fades with the lights and decorations. Let’s choose joy—joy that lasts because it’s rooted in a Savior who never changes. Together, as a church family, let’s celebrate the good news of great joy: Jesus has come, and because of Him, we can have peace and hope that no circumstance can take away.
Blessings,
Pastor John Joiner
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