Rejoice: Finding Authentic Joy This Christmas
Pastor Reed Sowell
The Christmas season is a time that brings out a spectrum of emotions. For some, it's a season of excitement, celebration, and meaningful traditions. For others, it can be stressful or even painful, with financial pressures, family tensions, or the ache of missing loved ones. Wherever you find yourself this season, there’s a powerful invitation to return to joy. Not just fleeting happiness, but deep, lasting joy rooted in something unchanging.
Joy is available to you today, no matter your circumstances. Click the link above for the full message.
What is True Joy?
It’s easy to confuse joy with happiness, but they’re not the same. Happiness depends on external circumstances: the perfect gift, a great holiday meal, or smooth family dynamics. Joy, however, is something much deeper. It’s a state of contentment and peace that remains even when life gets hard.
True joy is only found in Jesus. This kind of joy is unshakable because it isn’t dependent on ever-changing circumstances. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” When your joy is rooted in Him, it becomes an anchor through life’s highs and lows.
Joy is for Everyone
Luke 2:8-12 tells the story of the shepherds who first heard about Jesus’ birth:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. 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.’”
The announcement of Jesus’ birth didn’t come to kings or religious leaders. It came to shepherds—ordinary, lowly people often overlooked by society. This intentional choice shows us that joy is for everyone, no matter your status, past, or current circumstances.
You might wonder, “Is joy really for me?” Yes, it is. The same message given to the shepherds is for you: Jesus came for everyone, and that means you too.
How Do We Find Joy in Jesus?
Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the “fruit of the Spirit,” which includes joy. These fruits aren’t something we manufacture on our own. Instead, they grow as we spend time with Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
To cultivate joy, you need to tend the soil of your life. Here’s how:
Pray daily. Regular communication with God deepens your connection to Him.
Read scripture. The Bible is described as “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), and it provides guidance and encouragement.
Worship consistently. Whether through singing, reflecting on God’s goodness, or gratitude, worship shifts your focus to Him.
There’s no shortcut. Like any meaningful relationship, your connection with God requires time and intentionality. The more time you spend with Him, the more joy you’ll experience.
Joy Fights Anxiety
In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul offers practical insight:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage connects rejoicing, gentleness, gratitude, and peace, all underpinned by one key truth: “The Lord is near.”When you remember God’s presence, anxiety starts to lose its grip.
Here’s what this looks like practically:
Pray about everything. When you feel worry rising, turn it into a conversation with God.
Practice gratitude. Shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s good.
Rest in God’s peace. This peace transcends understanding and anchors you even when circumstances don’t make sense.
Paul, who wrote these words, knew hardship well. He penned these encouragements from prison, having endured shipwrecks, beatings, and rejection. His life testifies that joy and peace are possible, even in the darkest circumstances.
Joy is a Daily Choice
Cultivating joy takes work. Just as physical training strengthens your body or studying expands your knowledge, investing time with Jesus nurtures your soul.
Ask yourself: How am I prioritizing my relationship with God? Is it central to my life, or does it take a back seat when things get busy? If you want joy to grow, it starts with intentional time in prayer, scripture, and worship.
Remember, God is always near, ready to meet you where you are. You don’t have to do this perfectly; you just need to start.
Further Reading
For more on finding joy and peace, consider these resources:
“What is True Joy?” - Desiring God
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, Enough is Enough on YouTube by Pastor Reed from View Church.
Explore additional resources at www.viewchurch.co/resources.