The Savior For All | Pastor Nate Keeler
At Christmas, the world buzzes with excitement. Gifts pile under trees, lights twinkle on every street, and families gather for meals and celebration. But beyond these moments lies a deeper truth. Ultimate joy isn’t something wrapped in shiny paper or delivered by courier. It’s a gift from God, offered freely through Jesus Christ. This Christmas, as you celebrate with loved ones, reflect on the profound invitation to experience a joy that lasts forever.
The Problem with Lesser Joys
Have you ever felt the thrill of unwrapping a perfect gift, only to find the excitement fade after a few days—or even hours? Maybe it was a gadget that quickly broke or a toy that lost its charm. These experiences aren’t unique. The joys of material possessions or fleeting achievements are just that—temporary. C.S. Lewis described them as “stabs of joy,” brief flashes of happiness that hint at something more.
Promotions, vacations, new relationships, and celebrations can be wonderful blessings. Yet, they don’t satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. These joys, while good, are incomplete. They point us toward the ultimate joy that only God can provide. As beautiful and exciting as these moments may be, they can never fulfill our soul’s longing for permanence, peace, and purpose.
The Joy Announced in Bethlehem
The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth reveals where true joy is found:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
This wasn’t just a passing message for first-century shepherds. It’s Good News for all people, for all time. It’s a declaration of God’s plan to restore humanity through Jesus. The joy the angels announced isn’t based on temporary circumstances. It’s rooted in the birth of a Savior who offers forgiveness, peace, and the promise of eternal life.
True joy doesn’t fade like the novelty of a gift. It grows as we deepen our relationship with Jesus. The Good News of Christmas invites you into this lasting joy, one that withstands the trials and sorrows of life.
God’s Commitment to Your Joy
Some people see God as distant, disinterested, or even harsh—a cosmic figure keeping score. But the Christmas story tells a different tale. By sending His Son into the world, God demonstrated His investment in our ultimate joy. He entered our brokenness, not as a judge, but as a Savior.
This joy isn’t theoretical. It’s found in real transformation: the forgiveness of sins, the restoration of broken relationships, and hope in the face of life’s pain. Jesus lived, died, and rose again to offer us these gifts. His birth marks the beginning of God’s ultimate rescue mission, bringing hope to a weary world.
Joy in Christ transcends fleeting happiness. It doesn’t rely on perfect circumstances or material wealth. Instead, it anchors us in the truth that we are loved, redeemed, and never alone. This joy carries us through life’s storms and reminds us of the eternal future we have with God.
An Inclusive Joy for All
The angel’s message to the shepherds wasn’t accidental. These weren’t powerful kings or respected religious leaders. They were ordinary, overlooked laborers, often seen as untrustworthy and insignificant. And yet, they were the first to hear the greatest announcement in history.
This speaks volumes about God’s heart. The joy of Christmas isn’t reserved for the elite or the “deserving.” It’s for everyone—especially those who feel unworthy or unseen.
Maybe you feel like those shepherds. Perhaps you think, “I’ve made too many mistakes. I’m too broken. It’s too late for me.” The good news of Christmas is that God’s grace extends to you. His love knows no bounds. No matter your past or present, you are included in His invitation to joy.
If God reached shepherds in an isolated field outside Bethlehem, He can reach you. No one is beyond His grace. Whether you’re skeptical, struggling, or simply curious, the message of Christmas assures you that you are deeply loved and never forgotten.
Living in Ultimate Joy
The joy of Christmas isn’t a seasonal sentiment. It’s an enduring truth that transforms how we live. But embracing this joy requires us to recognize and release our attachment to lesser joys.
Here’s how you can cultivate ultimate joy in your life:
1. Reflect on the Good News: Spend time with the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. Let the truth of God’s love and plan for you sink in.
2. Pursue a Relationship with Jesus: True joy begins when you know Him personally. If you’re unsure how to start, begin with an honest prayer. Ask God to reveal Himself to you.
3. Identify Lesser Joys: Consider what you’ve been chasing—whether it’s success, possessions, or approval—and recognize their limitations. Acknowledge these blessings, but let them point you to the ultimate joy in Christ.
4. Share the Good News: Like the shepherds, let your joy overflow. Share the message of Jesus with friends, family, and those who need encouragement.
5. Anchor Your Joy in Eternity: Remember that life’s circumstances are temporary. The joy found in Jesus is eternal and unshakable.
A Joy Worth Sharing
The shepherds didn’t keep the Good News to themselves. After witnessing the Savior, they returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God. Their joy was contagious, spilling over into their words and actions.
You’re invited to do the same. Let the joy of knowing Jesus fill your heart and transform how you live. Share it with those around you. In a world hungry for hope, your testimony can shine as a beacon of God’s love.
Conclusion
This Christmas, as the lights fade and the gifts are unwrapped, remember that true joy isn’t found in things. It’s found in the child born in Bethlehem—the Savior who came to offer you eternal joy and abundant life. Jesus’ birth is the ultimate reminder of God’s love and His commitment to your happiness. If you’ve been chasing lesser joys, now is the time to turn to the source of all joy. Let Jesus fill your heart with a peace and gladness that can’t be shaken. His invitation is open to everyone, including you. Will you embrace it today?