A Joyful Celebration

This third week of Advent reminds us what the greatest joy of Christmas really is—the gift of God’s Son! We read that the angel’s message to the shepherds was one of “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). And it serves as a reminder that the Christmas message is one that brings great joy to a world in need.

Leading up to Christmas, the Advent season is filled with “joyful expectation” of Jesus’ birth. But with the busyness of life and all the preparations for Christmas, December can easily become one of the busiest months of the year. It’s also a time when so many people deal with personal struggles and feelings of loss and loneliness. Even in the midst of all the activities, it’s possible to be hurting on the inside. That’s why it’s so important to focus on the true reason we are celebrating.

The real joy of Christmas is found when we focus on Jesus. He came into this world, so we could have eternal life with Him and also enjoy every day of our lives while we’re here! John 10:10 (ESV).

The truth is, joy is a major part of God’s plan for us. Unlike happiness—an emotion that can disappear as quickly as it comes—joy is a choice.

The joy of the Lord is much greater than simply feeling happy. It brings peace and contentment to your soul, even when your circumstances are difficult. Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) says, ...the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Romans 14:17 tells us that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. His joy is part of what God has for our everyday lives! And we can choose to receive and live with that joy even when the list of things to do during this holiday season seems never-ending.

3 Things That Will Increase Your Joy

Make a Decision
Having joy is not about a feeling; it’s about making a decision to live each day with the joy of the Lord even when you don’t feel like it. Psalm 118:24 (ESV) says, This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. During this Christmas season, take some time to pause and reflect on Jesus and then share His joy with others. Make the decision to rejoice!

Live to Give
When you concentrate on helping and giving to others, you will experience more joy in your own life. Be determined each day this week to do at least one thing for someone else that makes their life better. Give a compliment, give something away, take the time to listen, bake some Christmas cookies for your coworkers, open a door for someone, let someone go ahead of you in line at the store…the list goes on and on.

Please God, Not People
Colossians 1:10 (AMP) says, So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things…. Our first priority should be to please God. It’s easy to want to please everyone else—especially during the holidays—but that type of behavior can quickly steal your joy. As you are celebrating the holidays, remember to keep the joy of the Lord at the center of it all.