Happiness is a temporary emotional state that we experience when we get our own way. Joy is a deeper and more enduring condition that we may experience when God has His way—to the extent that we are invested in seeing His will accomplished. True joy always comes from satisfying God. The shepherds witnessed rejoicing in heaven when Jesus was born; those angels were rejoicing because God’s plan was on the move in the earth in a tangible way. There is, as Jesus remarked, rejoicing in heaven over every sinner who repents because in this, too, God’s plan moves forward. We also can rejoice in seeing God’s fingerprints on our present circumstances, even adverse circumstances. In Luke 10:21 we read of Jesus that “In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.’” We can find joy in looking back on God’s past accomplishments in and through our lives. And we can find joy in looking forward to God working out His eternal purpose. That is the joy that was set before Jesus: “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1). Happiness, although fleeting, is commonplace. Joy is rare among humanity because it follows from an unselfish love for God, and unselfish love is itself a gift of God to us as we discover who He is and keep pressing in to Him.
We read of the joy of a number of individuals around the birth of Jesus:
The joy of Mary, the mother of Jesus. “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever’” Luke 1:46-55.
The joy of the shepherds. “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them” Luke 2:15-20.
The joy of the wise men. “After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” Matthew 2:9-11.
This Christmas, may we be aware of the joy in heaven over us each time we take another step along the way of transformation. May we find joy in looking back on the ground that God has already gained in our lives. And may we anticipate a day when we will hear Him say, “Well done, enter into My joy!”
&&&