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The world is often a scary and sad place. People are fighting with words and with weapons. Disease comes unannounced and changes everything. We lose people we love, and sometimes people who we struggle to love become part of our lives. So, where is the joy in today’s world? Joy is an important part of Christmas, and not just because we see happy people on all of the Christmas advertisements. The first people to know the good news of Jesus’ birth were shepherds. We don’t have many shepherds in our culture, but taking care of sheep was dirty and difficult work. No matter the weather, the shepherds wandered outside with their sheep, protecting them and sleeping on the hard ground. This is why the angels came to them in the night sky, announcing news of “great joy that will be for all people.” Joy! For them! They got to hear the good news first. They were still shepherds, their lives were still hard, but they knew the joy of Jesus. Jesus’ birth brings joy to anyone who receives Him as Lord of their lives. This doesn’t mean that their lives are instantly perfect, but rather that Christ gives them joy in any circumstance. This seems like a message your world needs to hear this Christmas. Don’t you think? In the midst of pain and suffering, Jesus brings joy to those who love Him. Share this joy with your world. This is Luis Palau.