This is part of the series The Gifts Of The Holidays: Celebrating Thanksgiving And Christmas. Read more from the series!
Let’s take a look at another gift that God desires to give us: the gift of joy.
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is an emotion; and it comes and goes. Joy is an action. Joy is something that remains steady, no matter what life throws at us.
The angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus to be “good news of great joy” when they announced his birth to the shepherds:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
The rest of the New Testament gives us a much broader definition of what joy is. Here are a few characteristics:
- The Holy Spirit brings joy – Acts 13:52
- Joy is a command – Romans 12:12
- Joy comes from trusting God – Romans 15:13
- Joy continues in spite of, or because of, trials – 2 Corinthians 8:2; James 1:2
- Joy is a fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
- Joy comes with unity – Philippians 2:2
- Joy is to be constant – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
- Faith brings joy – 1 Peter 1:8
- Joy is connected to walking in the truth – 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3-4
- Joy is found in Christ – Jude 1:24
Joy is a deep concept. It’s not a simple idea.
Joy is a choice.
It’s easy to choose joy when things go our way. But it’s tougher to make the choice when things don’t.
Take Mary as an example. She was a pregnant woman, probably in her teens, unmarried, surrounded by scandal, in a society that would punish her with death for such infidelity. She didn’t know what the future held, and yet she sang a song of joy. Read what she sang in Luke 1:46-55:
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”
This year, no matter what circumstances surround you, choose joy. Choose it today. Choose it this Christmas. Choose it every day.
Are you living with joy, even though it may not be easy? What do you do to continually choose to be joyful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.