The Christmas season often brings expectations of happiness and celebration, but what happens when life feels heavy? What do we do when circumstances don't match the joy we're supposed to feel during this time of year? The truth is, biblical joy runs much deeper than temporary happiness—it's a strength that sustains us through every season of life.
What Is True Joy?
Joy vs. Happiness: Understanding the Difference
Joy and happiness are not the same thing. Happiness depends on circumstances—when things go well, we feel happy. But joy is different. Joy is the strength God gives us when life is hard. It's not a feeling we manufacture; it's a gift from God that shows up as resilience when we need it most.
As one wise nurse put it: "Joy isn't the feeling you get when life is easy. It's the strength God gives you when life is hard." This distinction changes everything about how we approach difficult seasons.
Joy Flows from Faith in the Unseen Christ
True joy comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. It's rooted in the reality of who He is and what He has done for us, not in our current circumstances. When we remember that Christ came to save us from our sins and that He is Emmanuel—God with us—we find a source of joy that circumstances cannot touch.
How Do We Find Joy During Hard Times?
Joy Gives Strength While We Wait
Consider Sam, the exhausted nurse working brutal night shifts during December. Overwhelmed by staffing shortages and grieving families, he felt like he had nothing left to give. But when he encountered a young girl singing "Silent Night" while her brother lay in the ICU, he witnessed something profound: joy as strength to keep going.
This is what biblical joy looks like—not the absence of difficulty, but the presence of God's strength in the midst of it. Joy gives us the courage to take the next step, the endurance to keep caring, and the hope to continue when everything feels heavy.
Joy Is Found in God's Presence, Not Circumstances
Elena's story illustrates another crucial truth about joy. Working late nights and eating vending machine dinners, she felt trapped in a season of exhaustion. But when she encountered Carl, the night security guard reading his Bible beside a simple Christmas tree, she discovered something life-changing.
"Joy doesn't wait for things to settle down," Carl reminded her. "Jesus said his joy could live in us, right where we are. Not someday. Not when life gets easy."
The joy Elena experienced didn't come from the twinkling lights or kind words—it came from recognizing God's presence right where she was. Joy is not something we catch; it's something we notice when we slow down enough to realize God is already near.
What Does the Bible Say About Joy?
The Psalms and Jou
Psalm 30 declares: "You turned my wailing into dancing. You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy." This verse shows us that God is in the business of transformation—turning our grief into gladness.
Psalm 51:12 offers a prayer we can make our own: "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." This reminds us that joy is connected to our salvation and relationship with God.
This Is the Day the Lord Has Made
Psalm 118:24 gives us a powerful declaration: "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." This isn't just Christian optimism—it's a choice to find joy in God's sovereignty over every day, regardless of what that day might bring.
Even Jesus referenced this psalm during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, knowing full well that crucifixion awaited Him. He found joy not in His circumstances, but in His Father's plan and presence.
How Can We Share Joy with Others?
Being a Maria to Someone's Sam
Sometimes we're the ones who need encouragement, like Sam in his exhaustion. But other times, we're called to be like Maria—the one who brings cocoa and wisdom to someone who's struggling. We can share God's truth about joy with those who are weary.
Recognizing God's Presence in Ordinary Moments
Carl's simple Christmas tree with its handmade star became a beacon of hope for Elena. Sometimes the most profound ministry happens in ordinary moments—a kind word, a listening ear, or simply being present with someone in their struggle.
What About When Joy Feels Impossible?
Joy in the Midst of Grief
The Christmas story itself shows us that joy and sorrow can coexist. The same news that brought great joy to the shepherds brought fear to King Herod. The question isn't whether we'll face difficult circumstances, but how we'll respond to them.
Even in seasons of grief, loss, or overwhelming stress, God's joy can sustain us. It may not look like happiness, but it will provide the strength we need for each moment.
Joy as a Choice
Joy often requires a conscious choice to trust in God's goodness despite our circumstances. It's choosing to believe that God is present and working, even when we can't see or feel it clearly.
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to practice joy as strength rather than waiting for happiness to find you. Look for God's presence in your ordinary moments—during your commute, at work, in conversations with family and friends.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:
- Where in your life do you need God's joy to provide strength rather than waiting for circumstances to improve?
- Who in your circle might need you to be a "Maria" or "Carl"—someone who offers encouragement and reminds them of God's presence?
- How can you choose to notice and acknowledge God's presence in your daily routine this week?
- What would it look like to find joy in God's character and promises rather than in your current circumstances?
Remember, joy isn't about putting on a happy face when life is hard. It's about drawing strength from the unshakeable truth that God is with us, that He loves us, and that His plans for us are good—even when we can't see the full picture. This Christmas season, may you discover the deep, sustaining joy that comes from Emmanuel, God with us.