Finding True Joy This Christmas: Remembering Jesus and Rejoicing in Him
The Christmas season often brings a mix of emotions – excitement, stress, disappointment, and sometimes even loneliness. While the world offers temporary happiness through presents, traditions, and festivities, the Bible points us to something deeper and more lasting: true joy found in Jesus Christ.
What Is True Joy?
Joy differs significantly from happiness. While happiness depends on circumstances and temporary pleasures, joy is an inner gladness – a deep pleasure that comes from assurance and confidence that God does all things for His purposes. This is the joy found in the Lord, and it remains steady even when our circumstances change.
Many people fear being alone, especially being alone in the presence of a God they may not know. But for those who know Jesus, solitude becomes an opportunity to remember His faithfulness and find joy in His presence.
Where the World Seeks Joy
Throughout history, people have searched for joy in all the wrong places:
Pleasure: Famous figures like Lord Byron lived lives of indulgence but found only emptiness
Wealth: Jay Gould, one of America’s wealthiest men, called himself “the most miserable man on earth”
Fame and Position: Many celebrities and powerful leaders have discovered that worldly success leaves them feeling hollow
Achievement: Even Alexander the Great wept when he realized there were “no more worlds to conquer”
The things of this world will always disappoint, but Jesus will always give us joy. He is not just the joy to the world – He is the joy in the world.
How Do We Find Joy in Jesus?
Sing to the Lord
Psalm 96 begins with a call to “sing to the Lord a new song.” God’s people have always been characterized by singing. This isn’t just about musical ability – it’s about expressing worship and remembrance through song.
When we sing to Jesus, we’re doing something profound:
We’re declaring His salvation
We’re proclaiming His glory among the nations
We’re remembering His marvelous works
Remember His Salvation
The psalm calls us to “tell of His salvation from day to day.” This salvation isn’t something we earn through good behavior – it’s grace received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
During Christmas, we’re often surrounded by messages that promote moralism: “be good or else.” But the gospel message is different. We don’t earn God’s favor through perfect behavior. We receive His grace through faith in Christ, who came not as a conquering king but as a vulnerable baby born in poverty.
Identify and Reject Idols
Psalm 96:5 reminds us that “all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” Idols aren’t just carved statues – they’re good things that have become greater than God in our lives.
Common modern idols include:
Family (when it becomes more important than God)
Career success
Social media status
Material possessions
Even Christmas traditions
What Makes Jesus Different?
Unlike the temporary things we often pursue, Jesus offers something permanent and transformative:
He’s the Creator: While idols are created things, Jesus made the heavens
He’s unchanging: Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever”
He transforms us: Through His Holy Spirit and Word, we’re changed “from one degree of glory to another”
He’s coming again: He will judge the world with righteousness and equity
Worship Together
When we gather to worship, we’re doing more than singing songs. We’re:
Ascribing glory to God (giving Him proper credit)
Remembering His faithfulness together
Encouraging one another in faith
Declaring His truth to the world
The incarnation – God becoming man – was the ultimate expression of joy coming into the world. Jesus came as a fully human baby who experienced all the messiness of human life, yet He was fully God. The whole earth responded to His arrival, and we continue to celebrate that arrival today.
Life Application
This Christmas season, challenge yourself to root your joy in Jesus rather than in circumstances, traditions, or temporary pleasures. Make it a daily practice to remember what Jesus has done for you and rejoice in His unchanging character.
Consider these questions as you apply this truth to your life:
What circumstances or disappointments are currently stealing your joy?
What “good things” in your life might have become more important than Jesus?
How can you use Christmas traditions and celebrations to point others to the gospel?
When you’re alone with your thoughts, do you turn to worry and disappointment, or do you remember Jesus and His faithfulness?
How can you “sing to the Lord” this week, whether through actual singing, prayer, or declaring His goodness to others?
Remember, you cannot buy joy, nor can you buy Jesus. He must reign in your life. While Santa may be coming to town, Jesus has already come, and He will come again. Let this Christmas be a time of remembering the Savior and rejoicing in the true joy He brings to the world.
