“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of 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 Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10–11 (ESV)
During the Advent season, we talk a lot about joy. We sing about it, light candles for it, and proclaim it in worship. But before we can truly experience joy, we must first understand it biblically.
Biblical joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is circumstantial. It rises and falls with outcomes, moods and material conditions. Joy, on the other hand, is covenantal. From a biblical perspective, joy is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God’s redemptive assurance. Joy does not deny reality; it anchors us within it.
Scripture reveals this through two powerful words. In Hebrew, “simchah” describes gladness rooted in a covenant relationship with God. In Greek, “chara” speaks of a deep, settled gladness that flows from grace (charis).
Joy, then, is not a fleeting emotion. It is not pretending everything is okay. Joy is the confident assurance that God is at work even when circumstances remain unresolved.
That is why Nehemiah declares, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is spiritual resilience.
Howard Thurman, theologian and spiritual mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., taught that joy is not a luxury; it is essential for survival. He reminded the Black church that joy is a spiritual discipline that sustains the soul in hostile environments. In other words, joy is how faith refuses to die.
Advent presses an important question: What kind of joy can survive waiting, oppression, uncertainty and pain? Luke 2:10–11 gives us the answer.
The angel announces joy amid fear. “Fear not,” the angel declares, because joy often arrives while fear is still present. The shepherds were poor, marginalized, working the night shift and living under Roman occupation. Yet heaven chose them as the first recipients of good news. This teaches us that joy does not wait for ideal conditions; it interrupts difficult ones. Joy announces that we are unconditionally loved and that love has taken on flesh.
This joy is also rooted in who Christ is. “Unto you is born… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Joy is not rooted in the manger, but in the mission. As Savior: He rescues. As Christ: He fulfills promises. As Lord: He reigns.
Isaiah declared long before, “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy” (Isaiah 9:3). Joy increases when salvation draws near.
Finally, joy is sustained by God’s presence. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Advent means Emmanuel — God with us. Joy does not come from circumstances changing; it comes from God drawing near. Mary understood this when she rejoiced before the promise was complete (Luke 1:46–47).
This Advent, receive this joy by faith. Resist the thieves of joy — fear, bitterness and despair. Release this joy through worship and witness, because joy multiplies when it is shared.
Christ has come. Christ is present. Christ is coming again. This joy survives sorrow, outlasts fear, strengthens faith and anchors hope. This joy I have, the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away. This joy is Jesus and this joy is here to stay.
Dr. Preston T. Adams, III is the founding and senior pastor of Amazing Grace Christian Church in Indianapolis. Follow him on X @DrPrestonTAdams.
