December 14th, 2025
by Pastor Gary Moritz
by Pastor Gary Moritz
Ever find yourself trying to capture the perfect family photo, only to realize that behind the smiles, there's chaos? We've all been there, striving for that picture-perfect moment. But what if true joy isn't about creating the perfect scene, but about receiving a gift that's already been given?
The Quest for Joy
Picture this: a crowded photo studio, families packed in tight, the air thick with anticipation and the smell of diaper bags. My family and I were there, decked out in our football jerseys, determined to capture the perfect Christmas photo. But after 45 minutes of waiting, the kids were melting down, and chaos reigned. It took 17 takes to get one decent photo where everyone was looking in the same direction. That photo, sent out with our Christmas letter, told a bigger story than I realized. It was a snapshot of our attempts to manufacture joy while feeling empty inside.
Joy is Not What We Create
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we often exhaust ourselves trying to create joyful moments. But what if joy isn't something we manufacture? What if it's something we receive? The Bible tells us in Luke 2:10-11 that the angel announced to the shepherds, "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
This message reveals a profound truth: joy is not what we create; it's who we receive. Just like my father stepping in to buy me the bike I couldn't afford, God steps into our lives, offering us a joy we could never earn on our own. Jesus is that gift, the Savior who brings joy not because of our circumstances, but because of His presence.
Stop Creating, Start Receiving
So, how do we embrace this joy? First, we need to stop trying to create it and start receiving it. The shepherds didn't produce joy; they received the joyful news. They were ordinary people, overlooked and undervalued, yet God chose them to receive the greatest news of all. This Christmas, let's stop striving for perfection and simply be present, receiving the joy that Jesus offers.
Share the Joy
Once we've received this joy, it's time to share it. The shepherds couldn't keep the good news to themselves. They spread the word, and all who heard it were amazed. Real joy demands communication. In a world where depression thrives in isolation, joy multiplies in community. This week, reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Share what Jesus has done for you, even if it's just a sentence. Joy shared is joy multiplied.
Choose Joy Now
Finally, let's choose joy now. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, urged us to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). This isn't about false positivity; it's about defiant faith. We can choose joy even when circumstances are tough because we know who holds tomorrow. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Not tomorrow, but today, in the midst of our mess.
A Call to Action
This Christmas, stop trying to manufacture joy. Instead, receive the gift of Jesus, share it with others, and choose joy in every moment. Let the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart and transform your life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come to You weary from trying to create joy on our own. Help us to receive the joy that only You can give. Fill our hearts with Your presence, and let us share this joy with those around us. Teach us to choose joy every day, knowing that You are with us in every moment. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The Quest for Joy
Picture this: a crowded photo studio, families packed in tight, the air thick with anticipation and the smell of diaper bags. My family and I were there, decked out in our football jerseys, determined to capture the perfect Christmas photo. But after 45 minutes of waiting, the kids were melting down, and chaos reigned. It took 17 takes to get one decent photo where everyone was looking in the same direction. That photo, sent out with our Christmas letter, told a bigger story than I realized. It was a snapshot of our attempts to manufacture joy while feeling empty inside.
Joy is Not What We Create
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we often exhaust ourselves trying to create joyful moments. But what if joy isn't something we manufacture? What if it's something we receive? The Bible tells us in Luke 2:10-11 that the angel announced to the shepherds, "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
This message reveals a profound truth: joy is not what we create; it's who we receive. Just like my father stepping in to buy me the bike I couldn't afford, God steps into our lives, offering us a joy we could never earn on our own. Jesus is that gift, the Savior who brings joy not because of our circumstances, but because of His presence.
Stop Creating, Start Receiving
So, how do we embrace this joy? First, we need to stop trying to create it and start receiving it. The shepherds didn't produce joy; they received the joyful news. They were ordinary people, overlooked and undervalued, yet God chose them to receive the greatest news of all. This Christmas, let's stop striving for perfection and simply be present, receiving the joy that Jesus offers.
Share the Joy
Once we've received this joy, it's time to share it. The shepherds couldn't keep the good news to themselves. They spread the word, and all who heard it were amazed. Real joy demands communication. In a world where depression thrives in isolation, joy multiplies in community. This week, reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Share what Jesus has done for you, even if it's just a sentence. Joy shared is joy multiplied.
Choose Joy Now
Finally, let's choose joy now. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, urged us to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). This isn't about false positivity; it's about defiant faith. We can choose joy even when circumstances are tough because we know who holds tomorrow. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Not tomorrow, but today, in the midst of our mess.
A Call to Action
This Christmas, stop trying to manufacture joy. Instead, receive the gift of Jesus, share it with others, and choose joy in every moment. Let the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart and transform your life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come to You weary from trying to create joy on our own. Help us to receive the joy that only You can give. Fill our hearts with Your presence, and let us share this joy with those around us. Teach us to choose joy every day, knowing that You are with us in every moment. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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