Probably no other time of year would exemplify “Joy” more than the Christmas season. From the exuberant joy of a child on Christmas morning to the heartfelt joy of a family reunited for the holidays, joy takes on many shapes and forms. James tells us to “consider it all joy” when we meet trials of various kinds. Peter talks of “unspeakable joy”- a joy that wells up inside and cannot be expressed in words. I would like to share briefly about a “speakable joy.”
Around the holiday season we often greet each other and say goodbye to one another with the words “Merry Christmas.” I’m always amazed at how these two words can put a smile on the face of a harried store clerk, a stressed out co-worker, or a total stranger who seems discouraged. I always try to think that when I say “Merry Christmas” I’m actually speaking “Christ” into someone’s life. Simply saying, “Merry Christmas” to someone has the power to speak “joy” to one in need. Don’t just mindlessly say it – look for the response, and there may be your opportunity to spread the “speakable joy” of the love of Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!