MAYBE THIS CHRISTMAS• Joy – 12/29/24

During the holidays you may hear people sing, “Joy to the World.” But what is this joy? The world offers many joys. Things like sipping hot chocolate in front of a warm fire on a frigid day or getting a promotion at work or finding out your child won a prestigious scholarship or competition. These things are great, but like everything else that the world offers, the joy they provide is temporary.

Real joy, the joy that Jesus brought to the world, is a lasting joy, an exceeding joy, and a fullness of joy. It isn’t based on feelings or circumstances but is born in us because God became a man and dwelt among us.

Great joy is found in Jesus. In John 15:4-5, Jesus said,” Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in. me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.”   John 15:11 goes on to say, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.”

When the life of Jesus is born in us, we experience joy.  Happiness is a feeling which is based on “happenings” It comes from the outside in. But joy is not based on economic, social, relational or physical status. Joy is based on Jesus and what He has done for us and in us. When we were hopeless, he showed us his mercy and love and poured out his grace upon us. When we felt worthless, he chose us, adopted us and accepted us. By coming to the earth, becoming the sacrifice for our sins on the cross, and rising from the dead, he gave us hope, peace, authority over the enemy, and exceeding great joy!

Normally, we rejoice when things are going great or when we have the answer to whatever we were asking for, but we can choose to rejoice even in the middle of trying times. Why wait until the answer comes? We can rejoice now and activate our faith, believing God to be faithful to His promises and thanking Him for providing whatever we may need. Paul said it this way, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.”  Rejoice Now! And when the answer comes, rejoice again because our life, hope, and joy are all found in Him.

Scriptures: Luke 2:8-11, Matthew 2:9-10, John 15:4-5, 11, Psalm 16:11, 1 Peter4:12-13, James 1:2, Nehemiah 8:9-10, Hebrews 12:2-3  

Verses: Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Questions:  How is joy different from happiness? Where can one find real joy? Are you full of joy even in difficult times? If joy is found in God’s presence, what could you do to find joy when stress is out of control?

Prayer:  Father, thank you for loving me and sending Jesus, so I could find joy in Him. When I face trials and temptations help me to remember that they are temporary and won’t last forever. Remind me of all You have provided for me in Christ and that I can choose daily to rejoice with great joy and draw near to you with a thankful heart, because of every blessing You’ve provided.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.