We talk a lot about joy at Christmas. We sing about it in Christmas carols such as “Joy to the World,” and it is on Christmas cards and wrapping paper. But the rest of the year, we don’t talk much about joy. We talk about happiness, or contentment, or delight, but not so much joy. The Bible talks about joy a lot, though. The word is all over the Old and New Testaments. Joy is associated with singing and dancing to the Lord. Joy comes in the morning. Even nature cries out with joy: trees, pastures, meadows, valleys all shout with joy in the Bible. The Psalms make it obvious that joy can’t be suppressed; it bubbles uncontrollably out of people and nature. Joy must be expressed. “The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace…” – God has revealed that.

So, it seems like joy shouldn’t just come out at Christmas. Of course, we should spread cheer and celebrate Christ’s birth, but what happens on December 26, after all of the festivities end and Christmas is over? Is our joy gone? Do we put away our joy until the day after Thanksgiving the next year, when we get out the Christmas cards, carols, and wrapping paper? I say no! Our joy in the Lord should bubble up from our hearts all year round. People won’t help but see it and wish they had what we had.

The best news is: Joy can be shared and passed on. So, share your joy in Jesus Christ with those who need it, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year. It can change many people in your world.   

This is Luis Palau.