All I Want for Christmas is Joy
Remember when you were young? The magic of Christmas filled the air. Nothing could match the anticipation we had as we counted down the days until Christmas. It was a special time of year…and still can be!
As we’ve grown older, Christmas may have lost some of its thrill. We have so much more to do. There are holiday parties, programs, baking, and shopping. The weight of the season can bring us down. It’s easy to lose our joy in the middle of the chaos.
JOURNAL: What is threatening to steal your joy this Christmas?
There’s a difference between joy and happiness. We often act like they’re the same, but I can have joy even when I am not happy. Joy is not based on the circumstances around us. It’s the goodness within us that sustains us when our circumstances are bad. True joy is only something that Jesus can give.
Happiness is the feeling we have when everything is going right, and we all know how rare that actually occurs, especially this time of year! Happiness is fragile; it fades away when difficulties come upon us. It’s fickle and leaves when we need it the most. We can’t live our lives only searching for happiness, for it would be a disappointing journey.
But joy….
Joy gets us through the hard times. It’s there for us when happiness runs away. It picks up the pieces of our fragile emotions and carries us through the valleys and the mountain tops just the same. That’s the joy that Jesus gives.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. - John 15:11 NIV
So during this holiday season, when things don’t quite go as planned, remember that you have the joy of Jesus inside of you, cherish the special moments, and have a truly Merry Christmas.
Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. - Psalm 30:5 NASB
PRAYER: God, help me to choose joy this Christmas season, even when things don't go my way. You are the reason for the season, and I base my joy on You. - Amen
As we’ve grown older, Christmas may have lost some of its thrill. We have so much more to do. There are holiday parties, programs, baking, and shopping. The weight of the season can bring us down. It’s easy to lose our joy in the middle of the chaos.
JOURNAL: What is threatening to steal your joy this Christmas?
There’s a difference between joy and happiness. We often act like they’re the same, but I can have joy even when I am not happy. Joy is not based on the circumstances around us. It’s the goodness within us that sustains us when our circumstances are bad. True joy is only something that Jesus can give.
Happiness is the feeling we have when everything is going right, and we all know how rare that actually occurs, especially this time of year! Happiness is fragile; it fades away when difficulties come upon us. It’s fickle and leaves when we need it the most. We can’t live our lives only searching for happiness, for it would be a disappointing journey.
But joy….
Joy gets us through the hard times. It’s there for us when happiness runs away. It picks up the pieces of our fragile emotions and carries us through the valleys and the mountain tops just the same. That’s the joy that Jesus gives.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. - John 15:11 NIV
So during this holiday season, when things don’t quite go as planned, remember that you have the joy of Jesus inside of you, cherish the special moments, and have a truly Merry Christmas.
Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. - Psalm 30:5 NASB
PRAYER: God, help me to choose joy this Christmas season, even when things don't go my way. You are the reason for the season, and I base my joy on You. - Amen
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