Although Christmas time is supposed to be a time of great joy, it is far too often a time filled with anxiety, turmoil, and even sadness. Last-minute shopping for some special gifts, family conflicts that are either brewing, continuing, or getting worse, and feelings of grief over the recent (or not so recent) loss of a loved one all tend to betray the joy that we are supposed to have during this season. With these thoughts in mind, let’s revisit the Christmas story and remind ourselves that experiencing joy is part of what is supposed to define those who are followers of Jesus.

As the shepherds were terrified by the glory of the Lord shining around them, the Angel spoke saying,

Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people (Luke 2:10).

And, of course, that “good news” was that the shepherds would find a Savior lying in a manger in Bethlehem. And knowing that a Savior had been born (who was also “their” Savior), their joy was overflowing. This is the One who would save them from both the penalty and the power of sin.

So, where does this “JOY” come from? Real joy emerges from the hearts of those who have a personal relationship with the living God. It is not based upon circumstances that we might consider to be good, as that is what “happiness” is about. While happiness is fleeting, joy is enduring in spite of our circumstances. The Apostle James tells us to,

“Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (or endurance) … (James 1:2).

The idea of “counting it all joy” means that we should try to identify the advantages of what our current situation can lead to so that we can gain a better understanding of what God is trying to accomplish. If we know that God has a purpose for and in our suffering, we can respond to trials with genuine joy and contentment. Although the trials we often face are not pleasant, knowing that our loving Heavenly Father is doing something good through our pain, and that He is doing what is best for us, will help each of us respond to our trials with joy.

In spite of the challenging circumstances you may be facing, God wants to fill your heart with joy. Let’s look at what the Apostle Paul said to the Church in Rome,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Did you notice that Paul traces the source of joy to God Himself? Indeed, He is the “God of hope” who fills us with “all joy.” And furthermore, “joy” is listed as the second “fruit of the Spirit” (right after “love”) in Galatians 5:22-23. God alone can produce true joy — and He does it supernaturally through His Spirit living in those who have put their trust in Him. It is only natural for us to think that trials could never be an occasion for joy, and yet, you and I can experience genuine joy by considering the fact that God has a purpose in every challenging circumstance we face. 

I pray that we will all remember that genuine joy can be found in every season of life, not just at Christmas time, if we allow God’s Holy Spirit to fill us with the joy that only comes from Him. This Christmas, my we “walk in the Spirit” and allow the joy of the Lord to flow from our lives.

Blessings to all.