Christmas J-O-Y

By Steve Clark

December 25, 2025

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

If you could use one word to describe Christmas, what word would it be? Some folks would use words like – headache, expensive, or even bothersome. How sad that an event that brought so much joy in Heaven should bring so little joy here on earth.

Christmas should be a time of Joy! Joy is like love—it is not merely an emotion. It’s a decision, and you can be as joyful as you want to be. It’s all in where you choose to put your focus. 

I. Focus On J-esus

If you are a Christian, focusing on Jesus means that you not only remember the Saviour in the manger, but remember the Saviour in your heart. Remember that this baby grew up and went to the Cross to pay for your sins, that He rose again to give you a new life. He lives in your heart today to give you joy! That should fill us with joy! 

II. Focus On O-thers – Acts 20:35

Paul quotes Jesus to point out the joy of generosity. Christmas is the time we celebrate the most wonderful gift God has given and that gift is Jesus. It is this focus on others that will bring us joy. 

III. Focus On Y-ourself

This sounds contrary but your own attitude determines whether you will have joy this year. You cannot allow worry, stress, unforgiveness, or discouragement to rob you of the joy of Jesus. 

You can be full of faith, or full of doubt – full of the Spirit’s joy or full of the world’s problems. 

God has a gift for you this Christmas! It is the joy that you unwrap by focusing on Jesus, others, and then yourself. 

Reflection—Joy is a Christmas gift we can open every day and enjoy it!