The Season of Joy
Merry Christmas, 2022!
CHRISTMASJOY
Christmas is a season that is supposed to be filled with JOY! And for many, it truly is. But not for everyone. There are many, many reasons why it can be a difficult and sad time for people. But there is only One reason it can be truly joyous!
As we sat at the breakfast table this morning, Tom, Nancy, and I discussed the reasons for joy. You see, Nancy’s mom, Mary, is just about to go home to be with Jesus as I write. Mary loved Him and we are praying she has a peaceful journey to be with Him. She is dealing with so much pain and difficulty. Yet we are still full of joy!
My own mother passed away just a few weeks ago. Yet we are still full of joy!
We have significant needs that are bearing down on us. Yet we are still full of joy!
How? It’s not because Christmas is here. It’s not because we are celebrating the season. It’s not because we have each other. It’s not because of anything flesh and blood or physical possessions.
Describing the joy of the Lord can be a long and extensive ordeal, so I am not going to go into it in depth. But I will say that it’s not a seasonal thing.
Listen closely. You may be in need of this very thing.
The joy we get all excited about right now is a very real thing that is available to you 365 days a year. That is what is so wonderful about Christmas, it reminds us that the true Source of Joy came to give it abundantly. And all year long.
Now you might say that I don’t know your circumstances. You are right, I don’t. But He does. And He is the best One to take you through it, providing joy in the midst.
A friend of ours is fighting cancer. I think for the third time. She says, “I choose joy.” How? Because she knows the Guy who created joy.
All around us people are going through difficult financial issues. Many are struggling with pain and hurt. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. No one is immune to hardship. But a portion of those are facing every day with joy. It might be difficult to be “happy” during trouble, but joy is a gift from a God that cares.
I like to say that joy is a gift from God meant to carry us even when life is miserable. But happiness is a choice we make regardless of our place in life. You can have joy even when you are unhappy. But true happiness comes when you already have joy!
There’s no need to “fake it ‘til you make it”. Just choose to accept the gift of joy from God. If you don’t know how, take a moment and talk to Him. In fact, take the day and talk to Him. If joy is hard to find, search for God. He’s not elusive. Once you really find Him, joy will begin to flow.
Then 2023 will not seem so daunting…