"A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit! Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me."
Luke 1:39-49 (NLT)
How to Turn Your Focus to Joy
The announcement of Jesus’ birth was not simply information; it was a declaration of joy for all people.
In Luke 2:10 the angel tells the shepherds to put aside their fear and listen to the greatest news the world would ever hear. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God, had come.
In Luke 1:39-49, joy erupts without miracles.
Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth after learning she will carry the Son of God. The moment Mary greets her, joy begins to overflow. John the Baptist leaps in the womb. Elizabeth speaks with joy. Mary responds with a prayer of joyful praise. Nothing in their lives was simple or easy, yet joy filled the room because God was moving, God was speaking, and God was keeping His promises.
Joy reshapes lives.
Imagine how a joy like that could reshape your life. A joy that does not depend on circumstances. A joy that is deeper than happiness and stronger than the highs and lows of this world. A joy that survives long nights, revives weary hearts, and breathes hope into places that feel empty. If you need joy today, the Good News is this. The joy of Jesus is available right now.
True joy does not wait for everything to be perfect. It rises from knowing who God is and what He is doing. Mary’s joy was not rooted in comfort. It was rooted in the character of God. She trusted His word, and that trust gave birth to joy.
Our joy works the same way.
When life is uncertain, when challenges crowd in, when hope feels thin, Jesus remains steady. His presence fills our hearts with a joy that no circumstance can crush and no season can steal. His joy is for you today, right where you are.
Family Discussion
- What is one thing God is using right now to stir joy in your heart Reflect on God as the source of joy, not just your circumstances.
- In what ways have you experienced joy that goes deeper than simple happiness? Joy is a supernatural and spiritual experience that impacts our natural lives.
- How could God use you to bring joy into someone else's life this week? Joy is not just an internal reflection but an outward mission.
Family Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of joy that is not shaped by our circumstances but anchored in You. Remind us that real joy is found in your presence and in the hope you bring. Breathe fresh joy into our hearts this Christmas season. Fill every weary place with your gladness and help us to walk in joy that shines for others to see. In Jesus name, Amen.
Written by Markus Witherspoon
Markus Witherspoon is the Campus Pastor at our Tierrasanta Campus. When he isn't speaking, leading the amazing Tierrasanta Campus staff, or leading worship, he is enjoying time with his wife, Nicci, reading books, studying theology and leadership, listening to podcasts, running, and cycling around San Diego. He's been at Newbreak since 2016 and is excited for the future of Newbreak Church, here locally in San Diego and around the world!