Galatians 5

16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy. --Galatians 5:22

Although Christmas is supposed to be a time full of joy, good cheer and optimistic hopes for a new year, many people experience seasonal "blues." Instead of being the “most wonderful time of the year,” it turns out to be the “crud, crudiest season of all”.  And while many people become depressed during the holiday season, even more respond to the excessive stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed.

Why is that? Some say that this letdown can be the result of emotional disappointments experienced during the preceding months, as well as the physical reactions caused by excess fatigue and stress. Or maybe folks are just plain bummed out, and they can't quite put their finger on the reason for the downer season.  Perhaps the bottom line is that the holidays seem to overpromise and underdeliver, leaving your holiday happiness package marked with "RETURN TO SENDER".

Good Christian, have the holidays stolen the Spirit’s fruit of joy out of your life like the Grinch who stole Christmas? If so, let me offer you a perspective that may make your heart grow three sizes this day.

To me, it is very possible that the reason the “blues” have traveled into your town is not because you expect too much out of holidays, rather because you ask too little. Perhaps what you are really seeking is not happiness, but joy.

According to Bible scholar Ian Barclay, "Happiness is not a biblical word at all. It is derived from the root to happen. Clearly, what happens to us will affect our happiness." Christmastime is full of “happenings”. So many, in fact, that we start to believe that all the activity should add up to happiness. But trying to derive happiness out of activity is much like a dog trying to catch its own tail. The dog can see it, and almost grasp it. Yet as fast as Fido might fly, he will never achieve what he desires.

Joy, on the other hand, is a fruit of God's Spirit and is not affected by good or bad happenings. Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It is dependent, as we ourselves need to be, on God Himself who dwells within us. We should desire to have this joy in our lives, without chasing after it  For the believer, the “tail” of joy will naturally follow us if we simply follow the Master.

In the middle of all the holiday happenings, let's live and walk in the Spirit so that the fruit of joy will naturally burst forth. -

Because life's circumstances change,
Our happiness may not remain;
But if we're walking with the Lord,
Our inner joy He will sustain. --Sper

Happiness depends on happenings;
Joy depends on Jesus.

Questions

How can you take some time during the Christmas break to re-connect yourself with Jesus by spending time in His presence?

Are there people in your life who do not know the joy of the Spirit? Take advantage of this time of year by sharing the saving message of Christ with them.

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