The Joy of Christmas

The Christmas season is a reminder that Jesus is our ultimate treasure and satisfaction. Unfortunately, sometimes we let our brokenness distract us from fully realizing the complete joy that is found in Him. Jesus proclaimed that one of the purposes of His coming was that we might have joy and that our “joy would be made full” (John 15:11). It
is apparent then, that our ability to have joy is directly connected to what Jesus did. When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, they declared: “I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). ​

​Our joy is directly tied to the accomplishments and purposes of Jesus. Therefore, to have joy we must be in a growing relationship with the One whose joy is given to us by means of this relationship. To be out of fellowship with Christ is to be without joy. There are many, particularly during this season, who come up empty and feel depleted of knowing the source of joy. The Scriptures state that joy comes directly through our relationship with Christ. That relationship and the enjoyment of that relationship is strengthened through various avenues through which we discover joy.

We discover that joy is directly connected with Christ Jesus as gained through the following:

• Worshiping brings joy — (Luke 24:53, Philippians 2:17-18) Bowing before the Lord, coming before Him with thanksgiving brings gladness because in His presence there are pleasures forever. The Scriptures in the Old Testament remind us that we discover joy as we worship the one who produces joy.
• Effectual praying brings joy — (John 16:24, Philippians 1:4) There is a settling effect that is produced by coming before the Lord in prayer. As we observe God answer our prayers, we experience a deep joy that assures us that God is glorified in our lives.
• Persevering in trials brings joy — (James 1:2, Jude 24) There is something uniquely joy-producing in persevering through trials, watching God’s faithfulness produces even greater joy. It is when we fail to see the ways that God is at work in our trials that we become discouraged.

This Christmas season focus on the joy of your relationship in Christ as you worship Him, talk with Him, and persevere through the trials of life.

Pastor Billy