Monday, December 18, 2023

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

“I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy” lyrics by George William Cooke 

I remember singing that song in Sunday School, but back then, I didn’t know what real joy was. Around the same time, we were taught this acronym for J-O-Y: 

Jesus first, Yourself last … and Others in between.

I understood what it meant of course—put Jesus first in your life, loving other people should come next, and you should put yourself last. But, unfortunately, I don’t remember experiencing any real joy as a kid trying to put it into practice.

So, what is real joy and how do we experience it? 

The biblical definition of joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. “Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God's presence, and from hope in His word” (justdisciple.com). 

I think the Christmas season may be the best time of year to understand, experience, and share joy. After all, it is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In fact, the very first message of his birth that night was about joy.

Luke 2:10-11
¹⁰ … “but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. ¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David.”

I imagine there was some confusion and shock at first. But once the shepherds saw the baby Jesus and realized he was the truth of prophecy coming to fruition right before their eyes, I can only believe they experienced unsurpassable joy.

Thousands of years later, the truth still unfolds before our very eyes as we open our hearts to the teachings of Jesus and develop a personal relationship with him. As we come to know him more, we begin to experience the true joy that only his love and grace can bring.

As we step into the Christmas season, this is a perfect time to not only draw closer to Jesus yourself but also share his Good News and love with others. Then I believe you will truly be able to say, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.”

Questions: 
What level of joy are you feeling this Christmas season?

Next Steps: 
Read the entire Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-20. Find ways you can spread joy to those around you this holiday season.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for the greatest gift of all on that very first Christmas day, your Son. Help me to always remember the spirit of Christmas by spreading love and joy to those who may not be experiencing it for themselves. Thank you for the opportunity to draw closer to you and know the feeling of true joy. Amen.

Parent resource:
Read Luke 2:13-14 together as a family. Choose or make a special ornament for your Christmas tree that represents something good God has done for your family this year. 

This post was written by Ned Miller, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.