Joy

Advent 2024

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

I’ve been thinking about happiness and joy.

I think I have explanation about the difference between the two—an explanation that feels true in my heart.  One that helps make sense of scriptures that speak of joy and suffering as if they were the most natural of companions.  

I believe that happiness is an emotional reaction to our circumstances. But joy is a soul-deep response to God’s goodness—no matter our circumstances.

And I believe Jesus is the only pathway to experiencing God’s goodness, and so also to experiencing true joy.

Jesus Himself tells us, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Jesus had just explained what it meant to abide in Him, and He promised that if we abide—or remain firmly rooted and connected to Him—He will give us His joy. Full joy!

Friend, this is why joy and Christmas seem nearly synonymous.  Because 2,000 years ago, the only source of true joy came to Earth as Immanuel, ”God With Us.”  Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to live among us, experience what we experience, and ultimately to die to take on the punishment for our sin.

And when our souls know that, and accept that, and recognize Jesus as our sovereign Lord—we gain a joy this world simply can’t touch. 

So no matter our circumstances this holiday season, there is joy for us.  Let’s make time to lean in to Jesus, abide with Him even in the hustle and bustle, and allow His joy to fill us—to the full.  

Until next time,

Shelby