“The Gift of Joy”  

Unwrapping Christmas: The Gifts We Really Need 

Luke 2:8-20  

December 14, 2025 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

 Joy, the evidence of God's forming work, is a gift of the Spirit, a grace we receive, rooted not in circumstance, but in communion with God. Joy is discovered as we turn our hearts toward home, abiding in the life, presence, and purposes of God.  

 Luke 2:8-20 ESV: And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.  

 The Landscape of Joy 

 Promised (trust) 

 Announced (good news) 

 Received (faith) 

 Shared (witness) 

 Expressed (praise) 

 Sustained (reflection) 

 Joy is not something you find by searching harder. Joy is something you receive because Christ has come nearer.