Covenant’s Advent Series-Week 3: JOY

Created by Amy Pryor

There is something incredibly special about the moment a birth announcement arrives. It’s like a burst of happiness wrapped in a few simple words.

“A baby is coming.”

I remember preparing to share the good news with my immediate family. I was filled with anticipation and excitement. And seeing the joy it brought to everyone who heard was truly extraordinary. All of us were already in love with this tiny human we had not even met. We imagined who the baby would look like and what personality traits she might have. There was joy in knowing the love in our family was growing.

But there was a birth announcement that brought joy to the entire world.

“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

Great Joy

I can’t help but pause and think about what great joy looks like. Not the kind that comes from gifts under the tree or the sound of familiar carols. But the kind that reaches deep into our souls. The joy that can only come from the one whose birth was proclaimed that night long ago. I imagine those shepherds were tired and cold, tending to their flock all day. When suddenly, they were surrounded by the glory of heaven. A glory so overwhelming that they had to be reminded not to be afraid. That kind of joy can’t be contained. It requires a response. Scripture tells us they hurried to find Jesus, and when they saw Him, they couldn’t keep quiet. They told everyone what they had witnessed. That’s what great joy does. It overflows.

As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve learned that joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy depends on who is with me and within me. Even when life feels heavy, His presence reminds me I am not alone. When I find myself in the midst of circumstances I don’t like, I can allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength. This great joy is what we feel when we are lovingly exposed to the glory of our God. It is constant. It is ever-present. It is life giving. This is the joy we have access to every day. It’s a joy anchored in what God has already done and in what He has promised to do.

For All the People

God’s joy is a gift meant for every person, no matter their story or circumstance. It reaches across every boundary, beyond culture, age, and background. God chose to first reveal himself in human form on earth, not to the prestigious, but to the lowly and humble. The shepherds did not have high status or position. This reminds us that no matter who we are, we are deeply loved and invited into something bigger than ourselves. Joy is tied to a sense of purpose. When we embrace it, we find a hope that spreads, drawing others in and showing that God’s heart is truly for all. This joy compels us to share the good news with those still walking in darkness. It stirs something deep within us that overflows and spreads to those around us because we want others to experience this joy for themselves.

This is the joy I choose to walk in this Christmas season. Our God is faithful. Christ has come. Christ is here. And Christ will come again. That’s more than enough reason to rejoice.

Family Devotional

Read the Scriptures together slowly, and invite each family member—young and old—to share what they hear or notice. After reading, select the discussion questions that best suit your children’s ages. There’s no need to cover everything; simply let the conversation flow naturally. You may also pick one of the simple activities to reinforce the theme of hope. Close your time by praying together and thanking God for sending Jesus, our true Hope.

Luke 2:10-18

Nehemiah 8:10

  • What makes you feel joyful, and how do you think God gives us that joy?
  • When something is hard, how can remembering God’s love help you feel brave and strong?
  • Who can you share God’s joy with today?
  • Joyful Noise Parade: Give small instruments (or use hands and feet!) and walk around the room singing a simple chorus like “Joy to the World.”  Connect to the shepherds celebrating the good news.
  • Share Joy Game: Use a ball or stuffed animal. Kids pass it around a circle; whoever has it must say one way they can share God’s joy today.

  •  What’s the difference between happiness and joy in your life?
  • When have you experienced real joy even in difficult times?
  • How does the shepherds’ response in Luke 2 challenge us to share the joy of Christ?
  • Scripture Deep Dive:  Give teens Bibles or phones to briefly explore: Nehemiah 8:10, John 15:11, Galatians 5:22. Challenge them to identify: A lie our culture tells about joy and a step they can take to anchor themselves in God’s joy this week.
  • Joy Challenge Cards: Create small cards with simple challenges like the following, and then pick a challenge to commit to this week.
    • Send an encouraging text to someone who needs joy.
    • Choose gratitude instead of complaining once today.
    • Pray for someone who’s hurting.
    • Share a Scripture about joy with a friend.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. Thank You for sending Jesus—the greatest good news the world has ever known.

When life feels busy, hard, or uncertain, remind us that Your joy is our strength. Help us notice Your goodness, trust You in every circumstance, and share the joy of Christ with everyone we meet.

We praise You for the hope and joy we have in Jesus.

Amen.

Written by Amy Pryor
Amy Pryor is a native Texan who holds a B.A. in History and Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington. With nearly twenty years of experience in public education, she began at CCA as a middle school English teacher, later serving as English Department Chair, and now serves as High School Principal. A proud parent of two CCA graduates, Amy is grateful to work in a community that has richly impacted her family.