“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

“Rejoice” is a word we don’t often use in everyday life, yet in Philippians 4:4, Paul tells us not once but twice to rejoice. To rejoice means to display great joy and delight, but the kind of joy Paul speaks of goes much deeper than simple happiness.

As we enter the Christmas season, there are many favorite Christmas traditions that bring joy—a meal with friends or family, a treat that you only get during this season, watching Christmas movies, or a favorite holiday tradition, like looking at lights or putting up a Christmas tree. These are moments filled with happiness, but when Paul commands us to rejoice, he invites us to look not at something but at someone. He points us to the greatest joy–Christ Himself!

Paul’s words on rejoicing come just after his reminder about our citizenship in heaven and the hope we have of a returning Savior (Philippians 3:20). That is the foundation for our joy: it is not found in the passing moments of a season, but rather in the eternal person of Jesus Christ.

At Christmas, our joy looks back on a sacred holy night when God took on flesh–Emmanuel, God with Us! But as believers, we also look forward to a day when Christ will return, which gives us joy in the moment and hope for what tomorrow brings. 

This Christmas, may our hearts find joy in the Christmas season and worship for the everlasting One. We know that Christ came and that He will come again!