Can You Please Pass the Joy?

What are some of your favourite Christmas pastimes?

Is it the food? Goodness knows in the Caribbean we love to cook up a storm during the Christmas season. Not to mention all the Christmas treats – the fruit cakes, tarts, and so on. Mmm, mmm, good!

Maybe you love the family time. It’s such a special time when you have family visiting from out of town.

What about receiving gifts? I bet that’s what most of us look forward to.

I like all those things too but I also love the singing.

I love all the hope that gets shared through music, especially the traditional Christmas hymns. If I could have it my way we’d be singing them well into February.

One of my favourite Christmas hymns is Joy to the World. More than just another Christmas song, Joy to the World is a call to fill our lives with the things that really last.

Even better than the song itself, is the message of hope that it spreads.

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. Luke 2:9-11 NIV

While we might not sing Christmas songs year-round, it is possible to take joy with us throughout the year. And the best way to spread Christmas joy is to be filled with it. So consider these verses as you seek to spread joy all through the year.

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:10-12

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Acts 2:28

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Even when you’ve had your fill of Christmas ham, family has worn out their welcome and gifts need to be returned, you can still have joy. And that joy doesn’t need to stop at Christmas.

Joy is one Christmas gift that doesn’t stop giving.

Will you spread some joy today?

We'd love to hear about the joy in your journey this Christmas! Leave us a comment below.