That Christmas involves a message of “joy” is anchored in the biblical story of the Nativity itself. The angel who appears to the shepherd in the field on the night of Jesus’ birth announces: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring to you good tidings of great joy, which shall 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).
