Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Not once. Twice. Like Paul leaned in, looked us in the eye, and said, “Don’t miss this.”

Now, notice what Paul didn’t say. He didn’t say rejoice when things finally calm down. He didn’t say rejoice when the diagnosis changes, the bills are paid, or the people around you act right. He said rejoice in the Lord. That’s the anchor. Not the situation, not the season, not the scoreboard of life—but the Lord.

Joy, the kind Paul is talking about, isn’t the same thing as happiness. Happiness depends on what’s happening. Joy depends on who’s holding you. And friend, even on your hardest days, the Lord hasn’t loosened His grip.

Sometimes rejoicing looks like singing loud. Other times it looks like a quiet, stubborn faith that says, “I’m hurting, but I trust Him.” Sometimes it’s a smile. Sometimes it’s just getting out of bed and whispering, “Thank You, Lord, for one more day.”

And then Paul says it again. Again I say, rejoice.

Why? Because he knows we forget. We leak joy. We get weighed down. So God, in His grace, repeats Himself.

So today, right where you are, take a breath. Rock back just a little. And choose joy—not because everything is right, but because He is. Rejoice in the Lord. And when you forget… hear Him say it again.

Luke 2:11 says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Notice how personal that sounds. The angel didn’t say, “Unto the world,” or “Unto someone else,” but “unto you.” That means this message wasn’t just for shepherds on a hillside two thousand years ago. It was for tired folks, worn-down folks, and ordinary folks like you and me.

Those shepherds were working the night shift, doing a job nobody applauded, when heaven showed up and said, “This is for you.” And that’s still how God works. He meets us right where we are—on the back roads of life, in the quiet moments, in the places where we think nobody sees.

And what was born? A Savior. Not a suggestion. Not a self-help plan. A Savior. Because God knew we couldn’t fix ourselves. He didn’t send advice; He sent His Son.

Christ the Lord came wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, to tell us this simple truth: hope has a name, peace has a face, and salvation has come near.

So today, no matter what you’re carrying, remember this—Jesus was born for you. Right where you are. Just as you are. And that good news still changes everything.

Friend, Luke 2:10 says, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

I love where that announcement was made. Not in a palace. Not to preachers or kings. But out in a dark field, to tired shepherds who smelled like sheep and probably felt forgotten. And right there, heaven broke the silence and said, “This is for you too.”

That’s the part I don’t want us to miss today. All people means nobody is left out. Not the polished. Not the broken. Not the ones who feel like they’ve failed too many times. Not the ones who wonder if God still sees them. This joy didn’t come with fine print or conditions. It didn’t say, “After you get your life together.” It didn’t say, “Once you clean yourself up.” It said, all people.

If you’re carrying fear today, this verse speaks to you. If you’re worn down, discouraged, or wondering where you fit in God’s story, this verse speaks to you. The same Savior announced that night is the Savior who still steps into ordinary places, ordinary lives, and ordinary struggles.

Christmas reminds us that God didn’t wait for us to climb up to Him. He came down to us. Right where we are. Just like those shepherds, you are seen, you are invited, and you are included.

So take a breath today. Let the fear loosen its grip. The good news is still good. The joy is still real. And it’s still for all people—including you.