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How can we be happy when we’re having surgery for cancer the week before Christmas? Or we’ve lost a loved one and everyone we encounter is laughing and holding hands? How can we smile when we just received the notice that our company is closing its doors? Why does it feel like this season accentuates our pain, disappointments and losses?

Imagine what a joy it will be, thousands of years later, when we are in Heaven and we get to hear many beloved brothers and sisters in Christ share how it was the Christmas of 2021 where they gave their lives to Christ.

Joy is an outpouring of the Spirit in us. If you are looking for joy this December, look no further than Jesus. Relationship with Him shapes us, molds us, and allows us to choose joy even when our circumstances don’t make sense. We can have eternal joy, even when we aren’t experiencing worldly happiness.

A branch connected to the vine, especially a strong, healthy vine, will bear fruit. Disconnected, it will wither and die. It is how nature works. Jesus is the true vine. It is humbling yet exhilarating to realize how desperately we need Jesus. He is our lifeblood, He is the source of all hope, peace and love.

This Christmas, if you're feeling like you're in the dark and you don't know what to do, why not invite Jesus to step into your confusion, and He will not only show you what to do, but He will also give you the strength, the grace, the wisdom, the power to do it. Then, you will know the Joy of hearing God the Father declare all over again in your darkness… "Let there be Light!"

Jesus is not just a baby born in a manger. He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He is the Messiah, the Sent One from God to take away our sins. Does that not fill you with joy?

If we are to be peacemakers, we need to encourage one another. Look for the best in people and situations. Build up our family members, friends and co-workers. If we’re not building others up, we’re usually tearing them down! That means no gossip, but speaking truth in love!

Friends, today, if you feel your spirit is in a hurry, I invite you to rest in the peace that only Jesus can provide. Sit and meditate on them. God tells us that His words are living and active, so allow His words to saturate your soul.

When I look around, it’s rare that I would describe almost anything as “peaceful.” And yet, this advent season, that is exactly what we celebrate: the peace of Jesus. So in a world that has so little peace, how do we possibly embrace it amidst the chaos?

When I am selfish, self-centered, needing to be right, pushing my will upon others, peace is definitely elusive; but when I surrender to the Lord and seek to walk in His ways, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my steps, then God’s Word brings me comfort, hope and peace.