I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. —John 15:11 (NIV)

Each Christmas I set out a small nativity scene where the word “Joy” frames Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy Jesus brought to the earth. We celebrate and remember this joy during the third week of advent. 

Joy, like peace, hasn’t always characterized my life. For many years, I equated joy with a sense of well-being or happiness—which is how the dictionary defines it. Life’s trials and tribulations often stole my joy and left me feeling disheartened.

Any number of hardships can threaten our ability to be happy. Regrets, health crises, the loss of family or friends, or financial stresses all take their toll on our joy. Often we feel these emotions even more intensely during the Christmas season. Ironically, this is also the season that continually reminds us that Jesus brought joy to the world.

But the joy Jesus brought is different than the one the world knows:

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11 NIV emphasis added)

Jesus shared these words with the disciples as He prepared to go to the cross—easily the most difficult trial of His life. Yet in the midst of this challenge, Jesus expressed the presence of joy. 

The Greek word translated as joy is chara. Just like our English word, chara was often linked to external circumstances—when life was good. But the biblical understanding of chara conveyed an internal sense of well-being—one that isn’t shaken by life’s trials. The Apostle Paul explains Jesus’ joy in this way:

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2b NIV emphasis added)

Jesus anchored His joy in the promises of God. He knew the cross would eventually lead Him, and us, to our forever home with God (John 14:2-3). Looking ahead to this joyful reunion gave Jesus the strength He needed to endure the cross and its shame. 

As believers and followers of Jesus, we also look forward to being reunited with God in our eternal home. Focusing on this promise makes our joy complete—it no longer depends on our circumstances. This is the beautiful truth of His gift of joy—and what we remember and celebrate at Christmas.

Some people are naturally joyful during the holidays. Others struggle to reconcile the sadness they feel with the expectation of joy. Christmas gives us the unique opportunity to help them know true joy—His joy.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and bringing Your joy to us. May we focus on the promise of eternal life so that our joy will be complete—independent of our circumstances. During this Christmas season we pray to shine your light so others will know Your joy. We pray in Your name. Amen.