How to Experience True Joy this Christmas
As Christians, it’s important to remember “the reason for the season” when Christmas is upon us, and it’s easy to get sidetracked. We might be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season, like gift-giving and receiving or planning family gatherings. We might also have difficulty focusing on the goodness of Christmas because of grief and loss or some other troubles surrounding the holiday season. Whatever our experience of Christmas might be, there is one thing that remains constant for us all—and that is the true joy that can only be found in Christ.
Joy Is More Than Happiness
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
This world is full of all kinds of temporary joys. Many of these joys are good for us to enjoy, especially when paired with a thankful heart toward God. However, there are different kinds of joy. There is joy that’s synonymous with happiness, and since happiness is an emotion, our experience of this form of joy often depends on circumstance. Hence, temporary joy.
Pure, unchangeable joy is more than feeling happy. This joy comes from what Jesus Christ came to do and what He continues to do for us. Through Him, we can “rejoice in the Lord always,” regardless of the ups and downs of the holidays. And most importantly, we can keep Christ at the center of Christmas.
How does Jesus bring true joy during Christmas? It all comes down to the gospel, or “good news” of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate.
The True Joy of God Incarnate
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).
Jesus is God incarnate, which means God took on human nature and was born as a fully human and fully divine being. This brings us joy for a few reasons. The incarnation reminds us that God is not some uncaring or neutral, far-off being. He loves us, and He is always with us.
The incarnation of Jesus Christ also means that God experienced everything that it means to be human. He experienced temptations, and suffered physically and emotionally. When we suffer, He comforts us with pure compassion and empathy as One who knows how we feel. It is also through His incarnation that He defeated our greatest enemy that separates us from His loving presence: sin and death.
The True Joy of Redemption
You will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Sin means we behave in ways that are unloving toward God and our fellow man. These sins separate us from God, and the result of this separation is death. In the greatest expression of love ever accomplished, Jesus was born so that He could demonstrate the way of salvation through His life and teachings, and ultimately to sacrifice Himself for our sakes on the cross.
When we follow Him in faith, our sins are forgiven, and we embark on a lifelong journey of redemption. As we grow in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, sin has less of a grip on us, and this freedom restores our love for God and mankind. This salvation that Jesus provides brings lasting joy and peace that cannot be taken from us. Salvation also promises eternal life in the kingdom of heaven—a place without sorrow or pain.
The True Joy of the Kingdom of Heaven
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).
What a joy it is to know that this life is not all there is. While there is much to enjoy and thank God for, we are no strangers to suffering. Through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have access to a never-ending kingdom that’s absolutely perfect. We will be with God again in paradise, fully restored to Him.
Let’s not let the fleeting joys and cares of the holidays—and life in general—get in the way of this joyful promise. The joys of Christmas are true joys indeed!
Need Help Cultivating True Christmas Joy? Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC Can Help.
Sometimes it can be difficult to experience the true joy of Christmas. For Christians, this can be especially concerning and might come with a hefty dose of shame, which only makes matters worse. If you’re struggling this holiday season, then there’s no shame in asking for help. There are licensed Christian therapists in Raleigh who are here for you.
Sojourner Counseling provides compassionate, faith-based counseling for seasonal depression and more. Please reach out to us for more information.