Joy. Seems to be a bit elusive these days. Unexpected happenings. Puzzling circumstances. Overwhelming situations. Bothered hearts. Worried minds. Anxious thoughts. Everyone around you is singing “Joy to the World” but you’re just not feeling it.

Yet, joy is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us! On that exceptional night when heaven broke open and angels filled the sky proclaiming the birth of our Savior, the message was, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11, ESV, emphasis mine).

The message of Christmas is one of joy. For all people! Regardless of unexpected happenings, puzzling circumstances, overwhelming situations, bothered hearts, worried minds, and anxious thoughts. Yes, you can sing “Joy to the World!”

Joy to the World, the Lord has come!

Let earth receive her King:

Let every heart prepare him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

The secret is making sure our hearts are preparing room for the gift of joy. Our heart is designed to be full of God. But when our life is occupied with other things there is no room for God. It’s like this. How many people do you know that that cannot park a car in their garage? Garages are made for cars. That’s how they are designed. That’s what gives a garage its purpose. But we fill them up with all kinds of other things they were never designed to hold. The same is true for our hearts. The heart was made to be full of God but when we fill it with worry, stress, and anxiety there’s no room for God.

Take some time this Christmas and prepare Him room! Turn off all the noise. Sit in the quiet. Be still. Rejoice in the Lord! Take some time to read the Bible. Pray. Prepare your heart. Let heaven and nature sing! Experience Joy to the World!

        Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)