“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So, here we are. December 2020. The holiday season is in full force, but what a season it is! COVID Christmas 2020. What’s your Christmas going to look like? 

No doubt we are all going to try to maintain as many traditions as we can, but, for many of us Christmas will continue to highlight a year of disappointments and discouragement. Depending on where you live, family visits may be inhibited by  travel restrictions. States are doing their best to discourage travel by requiring quarantines  and COVID tests. So, we won’t see most of our family in person this year, but we will still connect virtually. I know what you’re saying. It isn’t the same! But it is better than nothing, right!? 

You may be asking: Is there a reason for joy in this COVID Christmas season? Lost jobs. Travel limits. Maybe sick family members. Or family members lost, to the pandemic or to other causes. Being stuck at home so much, or separated so much, may have highlighted tensions in your relationships. Where is the joy in a year that has been clouded by controversy and coronavirus? 

If you are a believer in Christ then you have a reason for joy, regardless of what else you are experiencing. You have a joy that, although covered by clouds, still shines. You have a joy that is unquenchable, even when its a little harder to reach. 

Having faith in Christ does not mean that we never feel sad or experience grief. Having faith in Christ means that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. (Thessalonians 4:13) 

Having faith in Christ doesn’t mean that we never face difficult circumstances. Having faith in Christ means that we have peace in the middle of difficult circumstances.(Philippians 4:6-7) 

Having faith in Christ does not mean that we lose our joy when times are hard. Having faith in Christ means that we carry His joy within us by His Holy Spirit (John 15:11) 

Having faith in Christ means that we can trust in God’s love for us. (Romans 8: 31-39)

We can have joy because: 

Because we believe that He really is working all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)

Because we believe that this world is not all there is. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Because we are looking for a kingdom that cannot be shaken. (Hebrews 12:28)

We can have joy because: 

Joy is found in fulfilling God’s purposes. (Psalm 40:8)

Joy is the byproduct of living to bring God glory in all things. (Colossians 3:17)

Joy is a result of obeying God. (Hebrews 12: 2)

Joy results from experiencing God’s presence. (Psalm 16: 11)

Joy is the result of deep trust in God regardless of circumstances.(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Joy results from relying on God’s grace.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Joy results from remembering that Jesus Christ is King above all Kings. (Revelations 11:15)

Joy results from the character of Christ being formed within me. (Romans 8:29)

Joy may involve pain and suffering, but produces the fulfillment of God’s purposes and deepens relationship with Him. (Romans 8: 18)

Joy is often reached through the sorrow. (Psalm 30:5)

Dear Friend, if you are struggling to find your joy during this COVID Christmas season, I hope that you will take some time to contemplate the great love of God for you. Jesus was born into a world just as fragmented and unsettled as ours is in 2020. He came to bring good news of great joy to all people for all time. 

Joy? Now? Absolutely!

Key thought: If you want joy, reconnect with Jesus. 

A Scripture to consider: “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A YES challenge: Review the Scriptures referenced in today’s post. Choose one to memorize as a way to reconnect with Jesus and find your joy during COVID Christmas 2020. 

Prayer: Lord, You and you alone are the source of joy that never fades. There have been a lot of clouds covering up my joy during this season. You know all that I have been through in 2020. You also know how I have been affected by the experiences of other people in my world. Help me to reconnect with You so that the clouds clear out and I can rediscover joy. Then, may Your joy rise up in me and overflow to everyone around me. Amen.