Perspectives

Christmas joy

By Tim Morrow
Posted 12/1/22

The day after Thanksgiving our family took the annual trip up the North Fork to find a Christmas tree. That means that our house was getting decorated in red and green. The furniture would be …

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Perspectives

Christmas joy

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The day after Thanksgiving our family took the annual trip up the North Fork to find a Christmas tree. That means that our house was getting decorated in red and green. The furniture would be rearranged to make room for the tree. The buffet table was cleared for the nativity scene. And, all the Christmas dishes were brought out replacing autumn ones. We were preparing for a joyous day in December.

We like to associate this word “joy” with Christmas. We see it on Christmas cards, mugs, tree decorations, signs and anywhere else Christmas decorations are. That begs the question, what is the reason for using the word “joy”?  The root of “Christmas joy” is found in the biblical narrative of the coming of the Christ child.

A very famous Old Testament Bible verse is found in Isaiah 9:6. It says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given … his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I would say most of us have heard this scripture that speaks of the coming Messiah, whose name is Jesus. It is interesting that the verses preceding this statement say those in darkness have “seen a great light.” It further says in Verse 3 that God has “increased … joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest.” We often miss this part. The promise of “joy” is based on a coming child in Verse 9. “For unto us …” Jesus Christ is the source of the joy promised.  

Christmas Day is a remembrance of a promise of “joy” to be fulfilled with the coming Messiah. Not joy like we experience with our tangible stuff, rather joy that comes with a restored relationship with God. Jesus came to restore our relationship with God by eventually dying on a cross for our sins and rising again. There is “joy” in celebrating his birth. But that joy is completed in celebrating his sinless life, his death for payment for our sins, and his glorious resurrection. This joy is found in those who turn from their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus promised that those who believe and trust in him will have complete joy that no one can take away (John 16:22-24). It is a joy that is described in I Peter 1:8 as “joy that is inexpressible and full of glory.” The promise to Israel in Isaiah 9 of joy is our promise. This Christmas season let us rejoice and remind each other that the source of our joy is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 (Tim Morrow is the pastor at New Life Church in Powell.)

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