I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.

I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.

 John 15:10-11 (NCV)

Joy is a common theme that weaves throughout the Christmas story: John the Baptist jumped for joy even in his mother’s womb! (“When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.” Luke 1:44) The angel announced joy to the shepherds! (“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10) The wise men were filled with joy! (“When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!” Matthew 2:10) Yeah, joy is a really big deal this time of year. But joy isn’t just about Christmas, it’s about Jesus! Joy fills the Christmas story because the Christmas story is Jesus’ story! 

Jesus doesn’t promise us “happiness”; He promises JOY. The joy of Jesus isn’t fleeting, it isn’t based on circumstances, and it doesn’t mean a lack of bad days. There will be sorrow, and there will be struggle. But even in the midst of the hard things, the true joy of Jesus in our hearts is constant. All that joy holds our hearts securely. No matter how heavy the storm, His joy in us is our anchor, our stability that keeps us from getting tossed around by the world and pulled under by our pain. 

The way to live life joyfully is to obey God’s commands. Did you catch that? The secret to joy isn’t independence; it’s obedience! It’s leaning into God’s Word, staying close to Him in prayer, and trading your will for His. Nothing else in this world can fill you with the joy that you will find in Jesus! He isn’t satisfied sprinkling a little joy into your heart now and then. He wants to give you “the fullest possible joy”! Walk in obedience, remain in His love, and live joyfully. People will want to know your secret. Tell them! You are loved! 

The joy of the Lord is your strength! 

Nehemiah 8:10