Last Christmas I read an article from a religious thinker I admire. She attempted to make the case that we should avoid the exuberant celebration of Christmas—particularly gift-giving. Her familiar complaints? The consumerism and hustle and bustle of the holidays. As we take an axe to consumerism or greed, however, we must not unwittingly also take the axe to joy. In the next few days, you’ll likely give someone a Christmas gift that feels at least a little lavish or unnecessary. You may receive one as well. I believe this mirrors the generosity of God. Certainly, joy doesn’t require expensive gifts. But joy does provide for a gregarious and generous posture toward others.
On the night Jesus was born, the shepherds cowered as the angel—shimmering with God’s brilliance—appeared (Luke 2:9). When the angel announced God’s arrival, the message included three parts: (1) do not fear; (2) God comes with very, very good news; (3) God intends to flood us with fabulous joy (Luke 2:10). The angel’s words are striking because they contradict the truths we often believe—that we should be very afraid, most news will be bad, and that God is a distant miser.
Christmas, however, is a pinnacle of God’s joy. With the angels, we rejoice! With Mary and Joseph, we rejoice! With every weary heart who has found hope in God, we rejoice! With all lonely souls who have discovered the profound reality that God is their father, their friend, their Savior, we rejoice!
At our church, we always conclude our Christmas Eve service with “Joy to the World,” for that’s where the story leads. Let’s sing with the angels, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: James 2:1-13
More:
Read Romans 15:13 and consider the source of true joy and peace.
Next:
Reflecting on the angel’s words, what do you think might be the correlation between joy and fear? Sing “Joy to the World” as a prayer.
BearPair on December 20, 2015 at 6:35 am
Amen, Winn! There can never be a valid excuse for putting a damper on our deep joy & gratitude, especially expressed at this time. Thanks for the great reminder!
Winn Collier on December 20, 2015 at 6:45 am
And it so easy to douse joy, isn’t it?
Gary Shultz on December 20, 2015 at 7:27 am
Ah, good, Christmas flair in the article, I like the annual reminder Christmas brings………To the next section, I have struggled with that type of thought for some time, in the past. How can we, human beans, come before a holy God, how can we really say we love Him? I discovered the question was not about me, but about Him. We could love and come to Him without fear, yes because He loves us, but more than that for me, because He can and because He has invited me into His love. I can stand in His presence by personal, holy invitation through Christ. Thank you, enjoy His presence this Christmas.
sandy229 on December 20, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Joy to the world! The savior is here! No one is going to rob me of my joy…..the devil is always trying to rob me of my joy through people and circumstances but I refuse to let anyone or anything rob me of my joy!!
Winn Collier on December 23, 2015 at 8:46 pm
Joy indeed!
Roxanne Robbins on December 20, 2015 at 11:22 pm
Not to say gift giving is wrong at Christmas time but six-plus years of living in East Africa showed me that giving gifts isn’t a global Christmas tradition. As Americans have brought this custom to Uganda, the crime rate has gone up significantly in the country during the month of December as people too poor to afford gifts now feel pressure to give them so steal to get a hold of them. Our traditions aren’t always the best traditions for other cultures so in the case of gift giving, it’s not something we need to associate so closely with Christ’s birth we think people are missing out if they don’t exchange gifts.
Sheridan Voysey on December 21, 2015 at 4:41 am
That is fascinating (and sad), Roxanne. What does a Jesus-shaped Ugandan Christmas look like in comparison?
Winn Collier on December 23, 2015 at 8:50 pm
Yes, this is tragic. My favorite gift my wife and I share each year is a gift we make each other. Gifts certainly don’t need to be bought. Like Sheridan, I’d love to hear more about what Christmas looks like in Uganda. And is there a gift-giving tradition (any kind of exchange of gifts) at other times like birthdays or weddings or any other holidays?