How we can experience the fullness of joy promised by Christ
By Dean Collins
Christmas is a season of joy. The birth of our Savior brings us the foundation of our joy and fills us with contentment because through Christ we experience the fullness of joy.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus said he has spoken to us that “my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” He explains the basis of full joy in Christ:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”
At Christmas we remember the Father loves us so much that he would send his Son from the glory of Heaven to a manger in Bethlehem to live in the flesh, experience the life of his creation, take on the sins of the world for our redemption, and reconcile us to God. As we consider this great gift, our hearts and minds experience more than the warm nostalgia that comes from tinsel and lights; we sense deep and abiding joy that comes through Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Walking in truth
In 3 John we read a letter John wrote to Gaius who was an elder and church leader. As John opens his letter he prays that things will go well with his friend, that he remains in good health, and that all is well with his soul. John then expressed joy that the reports John had heard about Gaius and his leadership included that he was “walking in the truth.” He adds, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
At Christmas we give many gifts to friends, family, and even to strangers. In the purest sense, I am sure these gifts are an expression of love and do not come from a sense of obligation. We hope the recipient experiences our love and that maybe our gift gives them some sense of joy.
We of course know well that having lots of stuff doesn’t really move the needle on joy. In fact, the more we own the more responsibility we have for taking care of all of our possessions. Ownership is a weighty business.
But joy, real and divine joy, comes to us as we abide in Christ and follow his teachings. John might be referring to this when he spoke of “walking in the truth.” Walking in the truth is more than simply knowing sound doctrine and theology. Walking in the truth happens as our character and behavior line up with sound doctrine and theology. The best way to determine if we are walking in the truth is to see if our lives are looking more and more like Jesus.
Walking in truth is more than simply knowing sound doctrine and theology.
One of our oldest Christmas carols, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” reminds us that Christ’s birth resulted in destroying the power of Satan in our lives. When we experience this salvation, we are filled with tidings of comfort and joy. Having victory over sin through Christ results in our ability to walk in the truth. As we walk in the light and the truth of the gospel, those around us will experience the true joy of Christmas.
Your time with God’s Word
3 John 1:1-4; Luke 6:40; John 15:10-11 ESV
Photo by Kolby Milton on Unsplash
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