CHRISTMAS: JOY TO A TROUBLED WORLD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 2:8-14
Key Verse:
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 9:2-3, John 16:33, John 15:11, Psalm 30:5, Romans 15:13
INTRODUCTION
The world we live in is deeply troubled plagued by wars, economic hardship, sickness, fear, and spiritual confusion. Many hearts are burdened, and joy has become a rare commodity. Yet, into such a dark and chaotic world, God introduced Christmas as His divine intervention.
The birth of Jesus Christ did not occur in a peaceful palace but in a troubled environment under Roman oppression. This clearly shows that God does not wait for perfect conditions before releasing His joy. Christmas proves that joy is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ.
Therefore, Christmas is not merely a celebration of a date; it is the announcement that heaven has deposited supernatural joy into a hurting world. This joy is not seasonal; it is eternal, powerful, and transformational.
1. CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCES DIVINE JOY TO A FEARFUL WORLD
Christmas began with an announcement of joy in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Heaven intentionally released joy to counter fear, proving that God’s joy is stronger than human anxiety.
a) Joy Confronts Fear (Luke 2:9-10)
The shepherds were afraid, but joy immediately addressed their fear, teaching us that divine joy is a weapon against fear.
b) Joy Is a Heavenly Message (Luke 2:10)
Joy was not man-made; it was delivered by angels, confirming that true joy comes from God alone.
c) Joy Is for All People (Luke 2:10)
The joy of Christmas is inclusive: available to the rich, poor, strong, weak, saved, and seeking.
d) Joy Breaks the Spirit of Depression (Isaiah 61:3)
Where Christ is received, heaviness gives way to praise and gladness.
Biblical Example:
The shepherds returned glorifying God after encountering Jesus, demonstrating how divine joy transforms ordinary lives (Luke 2:20).
2. CHRISTMAS INTRODUCES JOY THAT SURVIVES TROUBLE
Jesus did not promise a trouble-free world, but He promised joy that overcomes trouble. Christmas reveals a joy that remains intact even in hardship.
a) Trouble Is Inevitable (John 16:33)
Jesus acknowledged trouble as part of life, yet He commanded us to be of good cheer.
b) Joy Is Rooted in Christ, Not Circumstances (John 15:11)
Joy flows from relationship with Christ, not from favourable conditions.
c) Joy Brings Inner Peace Amid Chaos (Philippians 4:7)
When Christ reigns within, peace guards the heart despite external storms.
d) Joy Strengthens the Believer (Nehemiah 8:10)
God’s joy becomes spiritual strength to endure trials.
Biblical Example:
Paul and Silas sang in prison, proving that joy anchored in Christ cannot be imprisoned (Acts 16:25).
3. CHRISTMAS RESTORES LOST JOY TO THE BROKENHEARTED
Many have lost joy through loss, disappointment, sin, and prolonged affliction. Christmas is God’s invitation to restoration.
a) God Heals Broken Hearts (Psalm 147:3)
Christ came to heal wounds that time and effort could not fix.
b) Mourning Is Replaced with Joy (Psalm 30:5)
Weeping may endure, but joy is divinely scheduled to return.
c) Joy Comes Through Salvation (Isaiah 12:3)
True joy flows from redemption and reconciliation with God.
d) Joy Is Renewed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)
The Spirit of God refreshes joy continually within the believer.
Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy, and his life was instantly restored and transformed (Luke 19:6-9).
4. CHRISTMAS RELEASES EVERLASTING JOY TO THE WORLD
The joy of Christmas is not temporary excitement; it is eternal joy rooted in God’s redemptive plan.
a) Jesus Is the Source of Everlasting Joy (Isaiah 9:3)
Where Christ rules, joy multiplies beyond measure.
b) Joy Is a Kingdom Inheritance (Romans 15:13)
Believers are filled with joy through faith by the power of the Holy Ghost.
c) Joy Overcomes Darkness (John 1:5)
Darkness cannot extinguish the joy that Christ brings.
d) Joy Will Be Complete in Glory (Revelation 21:4)
Eternal joy awaits believers where sorrow and pain cease forever.
Biblical Example:
The wise men rejoiced with exceeding great joy when they encountered the Christ child (Matthew 2:10).
CONCLUSION
Christmas is proof that God steps into troubled situations and rewrites destinies. What began in a manger ended on the cross and exploded in resurrection power. That same Jesus is still turning sorrow into joy, shame into glory, and trials into testimonies.
Today, your troubled season is giving birth to joy. Your long night is ending. Just as the world received joy through Christ’s birth, your life is about to testify that Jesus still brings joy to troubled worlds.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, let the joy of Christ be restored in every troubled area of my life.
2. Lord, replace my sorrow with everlasting joy through Jesus Christ.
3. Every source of heaviness in my heart, be lifted by divine joy.
4. Father, let the joy of salvation overflow in my life afresh.
5. O Lord, turn my present troubles into testimonies of joy.
6. Let the joy of the Holy Ghost strengthen me daily.
7. Every joy killer assigned against my life, be destroyed by fire.
8. Father, let my household experience Christmas joy beyond measure.
9. I receive grace to rejoice even in challenging seasons.
10. Lord, let my life radiate joy that draws others to Christ.
