Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let Earth receive her King. If only it were that easy. If only we could all receive him.

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Do you feel strong? Maybe you’re missing his joy. 

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Always? Even in hard times? Even when I don’t feel like rejoicing? Yes. Even then.

Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Look forward. Joy is right around the corner.

You have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice. No one will take your joy from you. That sounds like a promise to me. No one, or thing, can steal your joy.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Find the words he spoke, that is where the joy can be found. In his words to us.

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exalt you. Need protection? Need joy? Rejoice. Sing. He is your refuge.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. In other words, be together. Do life together and lift each other up.

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. How is your fruit doing? Is the Holy Spirit evident in your life? How do you know? Look at the list. Do you walk in these things?

The list of joy scripture goes on and on. All of this joy. All from a baby in a manger. All a gift of the season. A light to carry each and every day.

I have gifted you joy. It is one of my most precious presents. It is the way to get through tough days. It is the way to fight depression. It is the solution to what life throws at you, because it isn’t dependent on you. Joy is dependent on me. MY joy is your strength…not your happiness, or circumstances, or relationships, or work, or beliefs. MY joy. The shepherds knew this kind of joy. Mary knew it. Joseph too. In the midst of their hardship, they were overcome by MY joy.

You know where my joy comes from, Beloved? Looking at you. Being with you. Sitting with you. You light up my face. You are the reason I came in this season. You are that important to me. If that doesn’t bring you joy, we need to spend more time together so I can show you how much I delight in you.