Joy is at the heart of the way of Christ. Isaiah anticipated the Good News by prophesying, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” . That light signifies hope and joy, a theme echoed throughout Scripture and fulfilled in the coming of Christ. From the announcement of Jesus’ birth, heralded by angels proclaiming “good news of great joy,” to Jesus’ promising joy to His disciples (John 15:11), joy is integral to our faith. Jesus’ ministry began with the proclamation of the year of Jubilee, a time of liberation and celebration. When the oppressed are set free and the good news is shared, joy naturally follows.
Nehemiah reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Yet, in church, joy can sometimes feel elusive. The messages we hear are often filled with imperatives that can leave us feeling burdened rather than uplifted. Theologians can sometimes be perceived as killjoys, focusing on what’s wrong rather than celebrating what’s right. That mindset undermines the joy that is essential for our spiritual resilience.
It’s crucial to distinguish between joy and mere fun or happiness. Joy is deeper, and can coexist with sorrow. It is rooted, not in our circumstances, but in our relationship with God. Nor is real joy self-induced. Our consumer culture misleads us into thinking that possessions bring happiness. But true joy is a response to God’s grace in our lives. It is a spontaneous outburst of gratitude for what God has done. When we experience God’s grace, we cannot help but celebrate. The joy of the Lord is a gift that comes from recognizing His presence and His work in our lives – God’s Kingdom breaking in! This is why the news of Christ’s birth is described as “good news of great joy.”
In Galatians 5, Paul lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, positioned between love and peace. This order is significant; joy is the engine that powers our spiritual life. And joy, in turn, is rooted in obedience to Christ. Paul’s exhortation to “Rejoice in the Lord always” is a call to find joy even in difficult circumstances. Paul, writing from prison, encourages the Philippians to rejoice despite their hardships.
Paul instructs the Philippians to avoid anxious rumination, but instead to take their needs to God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). The prayer that Paul describes includes, not just making requests, but adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. It begins with entering God’s presence with worship and praise, and only then presenting our needs. It is as we pray this way, says Paul, that we can expect to experience God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding. This peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to celebrate even amid trials. Prayer is less about changing our circumstances than about transforming us. It changes our perspective by shifting our focus from our problems to God’s faithfulness.
As a community, we embrace this rhythm of joy through collective prayer. A prayerful church reflects the heart of our Triune God, fostering a spirit of humility and service. When we emulate the self-giving love that characterizes the way Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relate to one another, we create an environment where joy flourishes.
Paul goes on to encourage us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Phil. 4:8). By filling our minds and hearts with these good things and expressing gratitude, we cultivate joy.
In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, we can find hope in God’s involvement in our lives. The gospel is the announcement of His presence and action among us. This is the source of our joy. As we celebrate the goodness of God, let us remember the messages of Isaiah, Luke, and Paul: “Do not be afraid; do not be anxious, for behold, a herald brings you good news of great joy.” Our Savior, the Lord, has come to save us! So let us “rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4)
