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For many, the holiday season is a time of celebration, but for others, it can be marked by a pain and sadness. The void left by the absence of loved ones, whether due to distance or loss, often casts a shadow over the festive season.

The obstacles to joy often lie in the realms of fear, anxiety, selfishness, and misplaced dependency. The enemy actively works to undermine the joy that believers are meant to experience. By fostering fear and self-centeredness, the adversary attempts to rob individuals of joy.

Joy is a decision to elevate God’s promises over our problems. Trust what God says more than what we see. Contrary to common belief, joy is not merely a fleeting feeling. It is a conscious decision to elevate God’s promises above life’s challenges. While it may not be an immediate emotional response, true joy has the power to influence and transform our feelings over time.

For Christians, joy is not optional but a mandate clearly outlined in scripture. Believers are called to be among the most joy-filled people on the planet.

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

In the quest for joy during the holidays and beyond, it is essential to shift the focus from material accumulation to spiritual fulfillment. Choosing joy is a deliberate act of elevating faith over fear, trust over anxiety, and selflessness over selfishness. By understanding that true joy is anchored in a personal relationship with Jesus, individuals can navigate the challenges of life with a resilient spirit and a joy that transcends circumstances.

Talking Points:
  • Joy is not fundamentally a feeling, but over time our decisions will drive our feelings. Feelings are the caboose, not the engine.
  • Joy is a mandate for Christians. Scripture is clear, we are to be the most joy filled people on the planet!
  • Joy is a decision to elevate God’s promises over our problems. Trust what God says more than what we see. James 1:2, Philippians 4:4-5
  • Joy is a decision to put yourself last, not first. Here’s how to do that:
    • J – Start with Jesus
    • O – Serve others
    • Y – You last
Discussion:
  1. What burdens are robbing you of joy this Christmas season?
  2. Read Luke 2:8-11. What is the good news that brings joy to the world?
  3. Define joy in your own words. How do our choices impact our ability to experience it?
  4. Read Philippians 4:4-5. When Paul wrote these words, he was imprisoned for his faith. Why do you think he could write about the joy of the Lord? Share a story of how you have found joy in hard times.
  5. Read James 1:1-4. What insights do you glean from this passage? How can times of testing bless us in the end?
  6. Read John 15:10-13. How does serving others change our perspective and give us more joy?

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