What Is Christmas All About?Sample

A Different Song About Joy!

Yesterday, you learned that the whole reason Christmas is so joyful is because it’s a celebration of the arrival of Jesus in human flesh and blood here on Earth. (It’s seriously mind-blowing!)

But, what if you don’t feel particularly joyful? Do you have to walk around with a smiling mouth all the time even if things are bad? No, you sure don’t.

Joy is more than just smiles. It’s different from happiness. Think about Mary and Joseph on the night Jesus was born. Remember Day 1 of this Bible Plan? Yeah, they probably weren’t too smiley-faced when they had to step over actual animal poo in a barn so that they could have a baby and camp on hay for the night.

Mary and Joseph could have joy because they knew that even though they were uncomfortable, God was with them. They knew that even though Jesus would have to die, it would be to fulfill God’s plan to save all of humanity! It’s not a particularly happy thought. No, it’s better than happy: it’s joyful! Joy is a lasting sense that everything is okay because God is in control, and He is working everything together for good.

Sometimes joy is loud with cheering, shouting, and laughing. But sometimes it’s quiet thanks for an answered prayer. Sometimes joy is so strong there are tears.

Joy is something that can only be fully understood through a deep understanding of God. Joy is yours when you live the life God calls you to live. He is good. He is love. His love never fails. He is with you no matter what. And He sent Jesus to show everyone how to live in love all the time. John 15:10-11 calls that abiding in God’s love. Stay with it every day. That’s your path to joy, not just in the Christmas season, but always!

Note: Today’s verse song video used the ESV translation of the Bible. If you’d like to read today’s Bible verses from John chapter 15 in the same version, that might help you remember it better.

Ask yourself: What’s one thing I’m grateful for about who God is? (Ideas: He’s always with me, He loves me, He’s always good, He shows me how to have joy, etc.)

Challenge yourself: Grab a notebook or a blank journal. If you don’t have either, then grab a few sheets of paper and staple or fold them together. On the first page, write down today’s date and your answer to the “Ask yourself” question above. Challenge yourself to write down one new thing you’re grateful for about God each day for at least a week.

Pray: God, thank You for who You are. The more I learn about You, the more joy I can have, no matter what else may happen. Help me to remember how good You are and how much You love me. In Jesus’ name, amen.