About three years ago, I found myself in a season of joylessness (if that’s a word). I shared this post on Facebook, and if I’m honest, it is still something I wrestle with and have to be intentional about in my pursuit of joy. Joy doesn’t come naturally or easily in every season. It requires a choice, a shift in focus, and an openness to God’s work in my life.
This life with Christ is a never-ending refining process. I’m so very thankful for God’s infinite patience with me and His grace in slowly revealing the areas I need to grow, change, and transform.
Lately, He’s been speaking to me about anger, rest, and joy. Specifically, if I’m not well rested and following the sacred rhythm He intends for my life, I will struggle to find joy and, as a result, react in anger.
My incredibly wise husband reminded me the other day that it’s not enough to just not be joyLESS. I need to be joyFULL!
And God keeps reminding me of this regularly, even if he has to put it on a huge sign. Literally.
As Christmas approaches this year (one week from today!), I’ve been reflecting on the characters in the Christmas story and how they experienced joy. Their circumstances weren’t perfect, yet each of them found joy in unique and profound ways. This deeper understanding inspires me to cultivate joy, even in challenging seasons.
Mary
But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant.”
Luke 2:19
Mary’s journey to joy was deeply reflective. As a young woman carrying the Messiah, she faced uncertainty, societal judgment, and physical hardship. Yet, her response was to treasure and ponder the unfolding miracle. Mary’s joy wasn’t loud or outwardly exuberant but quiet, steadfast, and anchored in her trust in God.
What can we learn from Mary? Joy can coexist with uncertainty. It’s about treasuring God’s promises, even when the outcome is unclear. Joy grows when we pause to reflect and recognize God’s hand in our lives, even in the midst of trials.
Joseph
Joseph’s story, as outlined in Matthew 1:18-24, is one of obedience. Faced with a seemingly impossible situation, he trusted God’s plan over his own understanding. When the angel appeared and explained Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph responded with faith, taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his son.
Joseph’s joy came through surrender. He found fulfillment in aligning his life with God’s purpose. His example reminds us that joy often requires trust and a willingness to follow God’s leading, even when it disrupts our plans.
The Shepherds
That night, in a field near Bethlehem, shepherds were watching over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard!”
Luke 2:8-20 (TPT)
The shepherds’ joy was spontaneous and communal. Their ordinary night was interrupted by an extraordinary announcement: the Savior had been born! They went immediately to find the baby and then shared the good news with everyone they encountered, glorifying and praising God.
The shepherds teach us that joy is contagious. It’s found in the good news of Jesus and shared with others. Their story invites us to embrace the joy of the Gospel and let it overflow into our relationships and communities.
The Wise Men
And on their way to Bethlehem, the same star they had seen in the East suddenly reappeared! Amazed, they watched as it went ahead of them and stopped directly over the place where the child was. And when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.
Matthew 2:9-11 (TPT)
The wise men’s joy was rooted in their long journey of faith. Guided by a star, they traveled far and brought gifts to honor the newborn King. Their joy erupted when they reached their destination and encountered Jesus.
From these wise men, we learn that joy often involves perseverance and sacrifice. It grows as we seek Christ, and it’s expressed through worship and generosity. As the saying goes, “Wise men still seek Him.”
Simeon
Simeon cradled the baby in his arms and praised God and prophesied: “Lord and Master, I am your loving servant, and now I can die content, for you have fulfilled your promise to me. With my own eyes I have seen your Word, the Savior you sent into the world.”
Luke 2:28-32
Simeon’s joy was a culmination of years of waiting and trusting in God’s promises. When he held Jesus, he recognized the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. His joy was both personal and prophetic, celebrating the light of Christ for all people.
Simeon’s story reminds us that joy is found in God’s faithfulness. Even when the wait feels long, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Anna
While Simeon was prophesying over Mary and Joseph and the baby, Anna walked up to them and burst forth with a great chorus of praise to God for the child. From that day forward she told everyone in Jerusalem who was waiting for their redemption that the anticipated Messiah had come!
Luke 2:38
Anna’s joy was rooted in her devotion. As a prophetess, she spent decades worshiping and praying in the temple. When she saw Jesus, her joy overflowed into praise and evangelism.
Anna shows us that joy flourishes in a heart devoted to God. Her life challenges us to cultivate joy through worship, prayer, and proclaiming the good news.
Jesus
We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
Hebrews 12:2 (TPT)
Even Jesus’ joy was forward-looking. It was rooted in the assurance of God’s redemptive plan and the relationship He would have with us. Jesus endured the cross, motivated by the joy of bringing salvation to humanity. Let that sink in …
Some translations say, “the joy set before him.” I particularly love the above translation because it clarifies that our salvation was the joy! He placed his eyes on the bliss we would forever share together with Him, which empowered Him to go through His agony. Instead of remaining in heaven’s glory with the Father and all the angels, He chose you as the joy set before Him. He desires you to the point of laying down His life and being God for all eternity to be with you. He pursued you, not seeing your weaknesses and failures but what you will be. He can see what we will be in the end from the beginning. This was the joy that prompted Him to become a man.
His example challenges us to focus on the eternal perspective. Joy is often tied to hope and purpose, even in the face of suffering.
What Story Are We Believing This Christmas?
At Christmas time, it’s easy to get caught up in a story of busyness, expectations, and materialism. We might believe that joy comes from perfect decorations, gifts, or gatherings. But the true story of Christmas is about a Savior who came to bring us joy—joy that transcends circumstances and fills our hearts with hope, peace, and love.
This season, let’s embrace the true story of joy—joy beyond hope, which we desperately need in this world; joy beyond peace, which our chaotic souls long for; and even joy beyond love, which is the heart of our God and our faith. We often forget about joy, but it’s a gift God offers freely through Jesus.
As we reflect on the Christmas story, may we, like Mary, treasure and ponder God’s work in our lives. Like Joseph, may we trust and obey. Like the shepherds, may we share the Good News with others. Like the wise men, may we seek and worship Jesus with perseverance. Like Simeon and Anna, may we rejoice in God’s faithfulness and proclaim His salvation.
I will leave you with one of my favorite Christmas songs from The Chosen’s Christmas special:
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
opening to the sun above
May this Christmas season be marked by the deep, abiding joy that only Christ can bring!