Discovering Joy

Outside the weather is turning colder and the winds have a northernly bite to them that can chill to the bone as the calendar turns over from November to December. The preparations for Christmas are evident everywhere. The town Christmas tree it set to be lighted this coming weekend standing proud and prominent against the blustery winds. Many homes and fences are adorned with sparkling colorful lights and Christmas trees can be seen through living room windows brightly displayed with handsome ornaments.
Christmas parties and gatherings abound. The shopping center and mall parking lots are filling fast as people scurry about trying to find the best bargains and the perfect gifts for family and friends. It is supposed to be a joyful and even festive season but joy seems hard to come by this time of year. I read something the other day where one person described this season as the holidaze rather than holidays.
I rode on an elevator at a hospital yesterday and over heard one woman commenting on another woman’s Christmas wardrobe and great efforts to get into the Christmas spirit. As I looked into the festive dressed woman’s eyes I saw despair instead of joy. She might have appeared joyful externally but inwardly there seemed to be a void she was missing. Joy seems absent from so much of this Christmas season.
Retailers are fretting over whether they will turn a profit in these tough economic times and shoppers are anxious over how they will even be able to afford Christmas and as they tirelessly shop for the best bargains. Over committed people resent the very gatherings they attend wishing for a night at home and the chance to unwind in front of the television without having to be somewhere else. Party hosts and hostesses stress out over food preparations and decorations often missing the joy of simply sharing an evening with family and friends.
I did not see joy on the faces of many at church as we sang and dug into the scriptures recently. There are far too many burdens, fears, and worries to have a place for joy. Joy is absent in the conversations of those distressed and down trodden in life. Joy may even be absent on the faces of over indulged and spoiled children who know little to nothing of Jesus statement that it is more blessed to give than to receive. [Acts 20:35]
It was a cold dark world the Lord Jesus was born into. The nation of Israel was over taxed and governed oppressively by Rome. The nation had lost its way spiritually losing communion with their Creator. It was into this hostile environment that Jesus was born. The message to the shepherds in the fields was simple and direct. “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:10-11]
The phrase “great joy” means large, mega, big gladness, cheerfulness or delight. The shepherds were challenged right away that the news they were about to bring would bring a new discovery a joy into their lives. What they were about to hear was going to change everything and the birth of the Christ child was the ushering in of mega gladness, large delight, and big occasions for cheerfulness even in the midst of oppressive circumstances. It was truly good news.
O how we need to rediscover the joy the shepherds experienced that first Christmas night. We need a joy that transcends our circumstances and a joy that is greater than heartaches and sorrows. I am not referring to the manufactured joy created by this age with laser lights, fanciful gadgets and gifts, nor the inauthentic expressions of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”. I am referring to a cheerfulness in a Savior who was born in a manger and ultimately died on a cross that you and I might have life; full and abundant life. [Jn 10:10] I am talking about a joy and gladness that comes from walking in a real and vibrant relationship with Jesus day in and day out. I am talking about the infinite joy that wells up within the heart of children of God who enjoy His presence. [Ps 16:11]
Jesus gives us reason to be joyful whether it is on Christmas day or any given mundane Monday or tumultuous Thursday throughout the year. Jesus is the ultimate source of joy. In His presence is unending joy not beneath the Christmas tree or in the pot gold at the end of the rain bow nor in a winning lottery ticket. Jesus assures us that we can have His joy and that His joy will make our joy complete and full if we are willing to keep His commandments. [Jn 15:10-11]
He comforts us again with His desire to grant us our prayers if we will ask in His name and offers us full joy once again in return. [Jn 16:23-24] The context of His making this statement was talking to His disciples about the persecution they would face after his death and resurrection and the presence of the Holy Spirit to help them.
Paul found joy while in prison. [Phil 4:4] Our experiences and failed expectations are no excuse for living joyless lives. Joy can be discovered in Jesus Christ just like it was first discovered by a shoddy group of peasant shepherds watching over their flocks so long ago. They discovered not just a little joy nor a joy experience that was frustratingly temporary. They experienced true, everlasting, great, infinite joy, gladness, delight, and cheerfulness in Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, and the soon and returning King.
Today, I hope you too will travel back in time to a cold night out in a field and discover the great joy that has, does, and forever will continue to transform hearts and perspectives.