This month, we hear the lyrics, “Joy to the World!” Sadly, not everyone views Christmas as a time of joy.  Some grieve over the empty chair at the table, the broken relationships, the lost hopes.  For them, the holiday season can be especially difficult.

You might wonder, Why am I not feeling the joy this year?  What happened to the joy that the angel promised?

Let’s find encouragement by discovering the meaning of the Greek word that the Bible uses for joy.

The Greek word for “joy” is chara, derived from the word charis, which is the Greek word for grace. This is important to note, for it tells us categorically that chara (“joy”) is produced by the charis (“grace”) of God. 

In the New Testament, chara is used to describe a deep, abiding sense of joy that comes from spiritual truths, rather than external circumstances. It is directly connected to the presence of the Holy Spirit and our relationship with God. 

This means “joy” isn’t a human-based happiness that comes and goes. Rather, true “joy” is divine in origin, a fruit of the Spirit that is manifested particularly in hard times. Someone may feel happiness, merriment, hilarity, exuberance, excitement, or “high spirits,” but all of these are fleeting emotions. On the other hand, “joy” is a Spirit-given expression that flourishes best when times are strenuous, daunting, and tough! (From Rick Renner’s devotional)

Joy is one part of the “fruit of the Spirit” that should characterize every believer (Galatians 5:22).

Does God expect me to be perpetually smiling, constantly feeling happy?  

Life involves moments of both grief and joy.  In fact, both are a required part of our behavior:  “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).  The right kind of tears can be the best way to comfort someone.

At the Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples, “You will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy!” (John 16:20).  There are times when grief is appropriate, especially in the face of something like the death of Christ.  But grief is not permanent.

God doesn’t require us to go around all the time with a big ole smile on our faces, but He does intend for us to learn how to abide in His joy. 

Circumstances DO affect our emotions! 

BUT, we can always find a reason for joy, in every situation. 

Paul was “overflowing with joy in all our affliction (2 Corinthians 7:4).

The churches of Macedonia combined “a great ordeal of affliction” with “an abundance of joy” (2 Corinthians 8:2).

The believers in Hebrews “accepted joyfully the seizure of your property” (Hebrews 10:34).

AND, we have the example of Jesus “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2).

We can have an underlying joy that comes from God, rather than circumstances.

These things have I spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full (John 11).

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Nehemiah declares to Israel in Nehemiah 8:10, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”