3 Reasons to Have Joy this Christmas... No Matter What You're Facing

For many, the Christmas season is a joyous occasion. But, for many others, it can be one of the hardest seasons. For anyone experiencing loss or grief or loneliness, Christmastime can amplify those situations.

But, yesterday our video devotion talked about being thankful IN all circumstances. Even when it’s hard, there is something to be thankful for. You can choose gratitude.

So, whether this Christmas is filled with laughter and joy or tears and pain… or, for SO MANY of us… it’s both… you can spend this Christmas focusing on the many things you can be grateful for. And you can marvel that the God of the universe cares about the details of your life. He cares about the stress, frustration, and heartache you may be experiencing this holiday season. He cares about your future and has plans for you that will bring hope and healing.

The Good News of great joy proclaimed by the angel over 2,000 years ago is still Good News and still a source of everlasting joy. 

The angel said: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).

Regardless of the circumstances, you can still celebrate this Christmas with great joy because of three reasons: 

1.  God loves you. 

God sent Jesus on a mission of love. In fact, the Bible says God IS love. God created the entire universe, just so he could create the human race, just so he could create you, just so he could love you. 

God made you so he could love you. And his love isn’t based on what you do. His love is based on who he is.

The Bible says, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).

That’s a reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy.

2.  God is with you. 

The Bible says Jesus is Immanuel. He is God come to live amongst us. Jesus truly was “God with us.” And he is still with us today. You may not feel his presence, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

Knowing God is near means you don’t have to worry or be anxious about what’s coming next. He—not your circumstances—is in control.

And that’s a reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy.

3.  God is for you. 

He’s on your side. In fact, Jesus said this: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17 NLT).

 Many people are afraid of God because of their guilt. But the Bible says Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. He came to save it. That’s Good News!

And that’s a reason to celebrate the birth of Jesus with great joy.

It’s Good News of great joy for all people because God says, “I love you, I’m with you, and I’m for you.”