Joy
Read John 15:1-11.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
There’s a feeling common to most of us; it usually comes on in late afternoon or early evening Christmas Day. After all the presents have been opened and the food has been eaten, you look around at the remnants of Christmas morning and a sense of sadness begins to creep in. All the buildup over the last month—the decorations, the music, the parties, the shopping—has led to this moment, and now it’s over. Christmas melodies fade into post-Christmas melancholy.
We end the day feeling this way because in our hearts, we know there is more. We are left wanting. The happiness we experienced surrounding the celebration isn’t enough. See, happiness is built upon the things around you—it is fragile and it cannot last. But real joy is something different. It is a deep-rooted gladness that remains regardless of circumstances. It is the feeling of safety and security that comes only through great union with Jesus. It has to be fought for, but it is worth it. Joy outlasts pain and hard circumstances, and it certainly outlasts the disappointment you may feel as you near the end of Christmas Day.
In His coming, Christ brought about this kind of lasting joy. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we have something much less fragile than fleeting feelings of happiness. We have Him, and in Him we have all that we need. He has given us a new identity, His full acceptance and approval, and freedom to walk confidently knowing we are cared for and loved.
When we put our hope in the right place and receive the love of Christ—the Savior whose birth we are so close to celebrating in just two days—we get to then walk out in joy, and that is far better than the fleeting happiness our world has to offer.
[Matt Chandler (2021). (p. 60). Family Advent Devotional - Bible Study eBook. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]