JOY TO THE WORLD: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Christmas is a season that reminds us of the beauty of togetherness. As family and friends gather, we celebrate not only the birth of our Savior but also the gift of one another. The lights that twinkle on our trees and homes are but a reflection of the greater light that shines when hearts are joined in love. The angel’s announcement declared “good news of great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10), and that joy is multiplied when shared in community. Family and friends are God’s way of reminding us that we are never alone. In laughter, in shared meals, in stories passed down, and in the simple presence of those we love, we taste the joy that Jesus came to bring. As we open this Christmas celebration, let us pause to thank God for the gift of relationships. Let us cherish the bonds that make life rich and meaningful. And let us remember that just as the shepherds and wise men gathered around the manger, we too gather around Christ, the center of our joy.

Christmas is more than lights, gifts, and gatherings, it is the celebration of the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. His coming into the world was not just a historical event; it was the dawn of joy, hope, and salvation for all humanity. The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds still resounds today: “Do not be afraid. 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” (Luke 2:10–11). This devotional explores the joy Jesus brings, joy that is eternal, unshakable, and available to everyone who believes.

The birth of Jesus was heaven’s announcement that God’s promises were being fulfilled. For centuries, Israel had waited for the Messiah. Prophets spoke of Him, generations longed for Him, and creation groaned for redemption. Then, in Bethlehem, joy broke forth. Mary rejoiced, saying, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47). The shepherds rejoiced as they hurried to see the newborn King and spread the word joyfully. The wise men rejoiced as Scripture records, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matthew 2:10). The joy of His birth was not confined to that night, it continues to echo through every Christmas season and every believer’s heart.

Jesus brings joy simply by being with us. His name Emmanuel means “God with us.” Joy is not found in circumstances but in His presence. Psalm 16:11 declares: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” When Jesus walked among the people, joy followed Him. The blind received sight, the lame walked, the oppressed were set free, and the hungry were fed. Every encounter with Jesus brought transformation and joy. Today, His Spirit dwells within believers, ensuring that His joy is not distant but near, alive in us.

The deepest joy Jesus brings is salvation. Humanity was lost in sin, separated from God, and destined for death. But Jesus came to rescue us. Romans 5:11 says: “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Salvation is not just forgiveness, it is restoration, adoption, and eternal life. The joy of salvation is so profound that David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). This joy is unshakable because it rests not on what we do but on what Christ has done.

The joy Jesus brings is not fragile. It endures even in suffering. James 1:2–3 instructs: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” How can we rejoice in trials? Because Jesus is with us in them. His joy strengthens us, reminding us that suffering is temporary and glory is eternal. Paul, imprisoned and persecuted, still wrote: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The joy Jesus gives is not dependent on ease but on His unchanging love.

Jesus brings joy by uniting people across cultures, generations, and nations. The angel’s announcement was for “all people.” His joy is inclusive, breaking barriers and reconciling hearts. In Christ, we find joy in fellowship, joy in worshiping together, joy in serving one another, joy in being part of His body, the Church. Psalm 133:1 celebrates this unity: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Christmas reminds us that joy multiplies when shared. As we gather with family, friends, and church communities, we reflect the joy of heaven.

Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The joy He brings inspires generosity. At Christmas, we give gifts to reflect the greatest gift, Jesus. But beyond material presents, we give love, forgiveness, and kindness. Joy grows when we pour into others. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us: “God loves a cheerful giver.” The joy of Jesus transforms giving from obligation into delight. Every act of generosity becomes a reflection of His heart.

Jesus brings joy because He brings hope. The world is filled with uncertainty, but in Christ, we have a living hope. Romans 15:13 proclaims: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Hope in Christ is not wishful thinking, it is confident expectation. His resurrection guarantees our future. His promises assure us that joy will never end.

The joy Jesus brings is everlasting. Revelation 21:4 promises: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Heaven is the fullness of joy. Christmas points us toward eternity, reminding us that the joy we taste now is only a foretaste of the joy to come. The angels’ song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14), is a preview of eternal praise.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that joy is not in decorations but in the Savior, not in presents but in His presence, not in temporary happiness but in eternal salvation. The world may chase happiness, but believers rest in joy. Jesus is joy incarnate, joy everlasting, joy unending. So let us echo the angel’s song, the shepherds’ excitement, and the wise men’s delight. Let us proclaim with hearts full of joy: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”

I conclude this Christmas moment of empowerment with a world of prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing joy to the world. Thank You for being our Savior, our Emmanuel, our eternal hope. Fill our hearts with Your joy this Christmas and every day. May we share Your joy with others, living as lights in a dark world. Let our lives proclaim the good news that You have come, and You are coming again. Amen.

Merry Christmas to everyone! May the joy of Jesus overflow in your heart, home, and community this season and always.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

Written: November 11, 2025 for Christmas Day 2025

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