Author: Rita Hartman
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NLT
The holidays are supposed to be full of joy, right? We see it on cards, hear it in songs, and even hang it up in glittery letters on our walls: JOY. But sometimes, between the shopping, planning, cooking, and family expectations, joy feels more like something we’re trying to find instead of something we feel.
That’s why Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4 hit home: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He doesn’t say, “Rejoice when life is going smoothly,” or “Rejoice when everything feels festive.” He says always. And what’s amazing is that Paul wrote this while sitting in prison. No lights, no music, no warm meal—just faith and the presence of God. Yet his heart was full of joy.
Paul understood something powerful: joy doesn’t come from what’s happening around us; it comes from Who is within us. When our joy is rooted in Christ, it can’t be shaken by a busy calendar or a difficult season.
So how can we hold onto that kind of joy this Christmas?
First, slow down and notice God’s goodness. Joy starts with gratitude. When you take a moment to thank God for the small things—a warm cup of coffee, laughter with family, even just the breath in your lungs—you begin to see His fingerprints all over your day.
Second, refocus your heart on Jesus. It’s easy to let the “stuff” of Christmas distract us, but joy grows when we remember the reason we celebrate. The Savior came near—God with us! That truth alone is enough to fill our hearts with lasting joy.
And finally, share your joy. It doesn’t have to be grand—just a kind word, a smile, a call to someone who might be lonely. When we share joy, it multiplies.
This Christmas, let’s not chase joy like it’s hidden under the tree. Let’s choose it—because the One who gives true joy is already with us.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. In the middle of the holiday rush, help me to pause, be grateful, and remember that You are the reason I can rejoice—no matter what’s going on around me. Let my heart and actions reflect Your joy to others this season. Amen.