Christmas is a magnificent holy day and also a wonderful family holiday. Our joy swells up from both, but Christmas joy rooted primarily in the holiday experience may ebb and flow, tempered by life’s circumstances. In the midst of hanging wreaths or shopping for gifts, we sometimes ask ourselves, “Where’s the joy?”
The first Christmas after my father died the aching hole in my heart was amplified when my family gathered around the dining room table for Christmas dinner and Daddy’s chair was vacant, everyone reluctant to sit in his place. Sadness stilled our conversation for a moment. Then my brother sat down in Daddy’s seat and we resumed light-hearted talk, catching up on family life and enjoying a turkey dinner together. Though our Christmas joy was dampened by our father’s absence, we rejoiced when we contemplated our dad sitting at the King’s table with our Lord Jesus Christ enjoying the best fellowship ever. What joy! Joy immeasurable!
The Christmas holiday, with its shining lights and festive parties and delicious foods and fun family gatherings, is just a small reflection of the true Christmas joy that arises from joy in the holy day, the celebration of Christ’s birth. A Christmas centered in Christ’s incarnation brings immense joy: joy in the life He lived, joy in the death He died on our behalf, joy in His resurrection and the hope that gives us, and joy in all the spiritual blessings God promises us in Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in
heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:3-10)
This Christmas season encourage true Christmas joy in yourself and others by meditating on the gospel of Jesus Christ and speaking this gospel to your friends, family, co-workers, and everyone you encounter. The message of the gospel is not just for the unsaved; its truth causes our hearts to explode in joy and gratitude that God would give us this most excellent gift, our great Savior Jesus Christ. Joy everlasting!
If your hearts aren’t overflowing with joy this Christmas, ignore the world’s proclamation that Christmas cheer will be found in the holiday gifts, food, and good times. Seek joy in the Savior alone, in this babe of Bethlehem, in the holy Lamb of God, in our risen Lord. Regardless of our circumstances, abundant joy in this Christmas season awaits us!
Joy to the World! The Lord Has Come!
Mrs. Carol Dale is a member of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Women's Auxiliary and on the SEBTS Board of Visitors. Carol graduated from SEBTS with M.Div. in 1998. Currently, Carol leads the Women's Ministry at Christ Baptist Church in Wilson, NC. She has been married for 38 years to Tim Dale. Carol and Tim have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
