THE SETUP
“Cheer up, dude. It’s Christmas.” — The Grinch
On Sunday, Kevin Starkey taught that joy is not an emotion. We often confuse or conflate joy with happiness. We wait to feel joy. But joy is more of a decision than an emotion, and it is something that we get to choose.
In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch wants to steal joy from the citizens of Whoville, by stealing Christmas. Overnight he takes it all: the presents, the stockings, the trees, the lights, the decorations, even their Christmas dinner. On Christmas morning he stands, looking down on Whoville, waiting for the sounds of anger, disappointment, and sadness. Instead, he hears singing. While the Whovillians aren’t happy about someone stealing their gifts and holiday trimmings, they realize they have each other and choose joy.
During the holiday season, many people struggle with depression, loneliness, and sadness. They don’t “feel” Christmas. But the message of Christmas – the birth of Jesus – is that we can experience joy in any circumstance. That’s why James, Jesus’ half-brother, writes in James 1:2, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
When trouble comes my way, I don’t typically see it as an opportunity. But it is often out of seasons of difficulty that the greatest lessons are learned, and growth happens. There may be reasons that the cheer of the holidays feels far away this year. You might be struggling to find happiness this Christmas. But Jesus’ birth brought joy into this world and he wants to help you to experience it even in the middle of today’s challenges. As he told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world.” May that bring you joy during this Advent season.
PASSAGE TO READ
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What do you think James means when he writes that facing trouble in this life is an opportunity for joy? Have you ever seen it that way?
What are some of things that James says can be produced in our lives when we face trouble?
How do feel your faith in Jesus has helped you to find joy in difficult circumstances?
PRAYER IDEA
“Lord – you know about the troubles that I deal with in my life. Help me to find opportunities for joy in those circumstances. Remind me that I am not alone in facing those challenges. You have promised to never leave or forsake me. I don’t want to let my feelings determine my attitude. I want to choose joy in every situation. In your name, amen.”