A Joy-filled Christmas

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”    —Matthew 2:10

Many dedicated Christians cringe as we hear the greeting, “Happy Holidays,” from store clerks or on the streets. We may return the greeting by saying, “Merry Christmas,” with the emphasis on Christmas. Did you ever ask yourself what we mean by the world “merry?” According to Webster, merry means “giving pleasure, causing happiness.” The definition continues: full of gaiety or high spirits. Merry carries with it the emphasis on hearty laughter and outbursts of song that may have its origin in activities related to drinking and partying. Is that what we really mean when we say, “Merry” Christmas?

I am convinced that pursuing happiness or merriment as an end will not be successful. The pursuit of happiness can act much like a drug addiction. At first a little makes you happy. Then two or three things or events are required. Eventually, the happiness craving overwhelms us to the point that nothing completely makes us happy but only numbs the ache for more.

This Christmas, let us pursue joy. Joy may be the only true cure for the pursuit of happiness. Just as gift giving and gift receiving are opposite actions at Christmas, I believe joy and happiness are the opposite sides of the same coin. Happiness and merriment are solely intended for me. Joy (spelled, J-Jesus first, O-others second, and Y-yourself last) is intended for God, others, and our relationship with them. Joy comes at Christmas as we worship and thank God for the One and only perfect gift of His Son. Joy continues to grow as we give gifts and ourselves to others.

Joy dominates almost every scripture passage surrounding Jesus’ birth. The angel told John the Baptist’s parents, “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth” (Luke 1:14). When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby in her womb, John the Baptist, leaped for joy (Luke 1:44). The angel’s message to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Even the wise men, when they saw the star, “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10). The dominant emotion expressed at the first Christmas was joy.

The joy of the magi can be further seen in worship, gift giving, and self-denial for the benefit of another. After rejoicing at seeing the star, the Wisemen arrived at the house in Bethlehem where Jesus was, worshipped, and gave gifts. The precious nature of the gifts was not mere monetary value but the energy, commitment, and time required to deliver them. The Wisemen further risked their lives to benefit another as they disobeyed King Herod and fled the country by another route.

Your joy level this Christmas will probably depend upon your attitude and focus. Are you focusing on receiving gifts or on giving? Do you face the many activities and obligations as things you must do or as opportunities you get to do? Whether you are putting up more decorations than you think are needed, chauffeuring to one too many practices, or being asked to give to more local charities than you’d like, a change in attitude may bring the lasting joy Jesus came to give. Scripture tells us to look to Jesus, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). We find true joy in having the opportunity to worship, give gifts, and share with others. I wish for you a joy-filled Christmas. Joyful Christmas!