True joy cannot be manufactured through positive thinking or willpower—it can only be received as a gift from God. When the angels announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, they connected joy directly to the arrival of the Messiah, not to circumstances or attitudes. Unlike happiness, which fluctuates with our situations, joy is a deep delight that remains steady regardless of external conditions. This authentic joy comes from being both indwelt by the Holy Spirit and anchored to Jesus through our daily choices. When we stay connected to Christ, we have access to joy every single day, even in the midst of suffering.