Encountering Christmas - Uncontainable Joy
Uncontainable Joy: Finding True Satisfaction in Christ
The Christmas season brings with it a powerful message of joy - not just temporary happiness, but deep, lasting satisfaction that transcends our circumstances. This joy isn't found in perfect situations or ideal outcomes, but in the person of Jesus Christ himself.
What We Think We Want vs. What We Actually Need
Like Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, we often think we know what will make us happy. Kevin believed he wanted to be free from his family, but he quickly discovered that what he thought he wanted wasn't actually what he needed. This reflects a deeper truth about human nature.
Our culture promotes the idea of "following your heart," but Scripture warns us that "the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure" (Jeremiah 17:9). Our feelings and desires aren't inherently bad - God designed us with the capacity for both - but they aren't always reliable guides for life.
The Deeper Longings of Our Hearts
Behind our surface desires for new relationships, careers, possessions, or experiences lie deeper needs:
True satisfaction and contentment
Significance and identity
Adventure and purpose
Genuine intimacy and belonging
Unconditional love
Peace and hope
Joy that never fades
As St. Augustine wrote centuries ago, "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God." We were made by God, for God, and until we find our ultimate satisfaction in Him, we'll continue searching in all the wrong places.
The Source of True Joy
Christmas announces that the search is over. In Luke 2:8-21, we see the angel's proclamation to the shepherds: "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."
This isn't just any joy - it's "great joy." This means:
Above average in quantity: Never-ending, more than enough
Above average in size: Vast, expansive, limitless
Above average in quality: The best joy available
Above average in importance: History-altering, life-changing
Why This Joy Is So Amazing
This joy addresses humanity's greatest problem: death. All of us are moving toward the finish line of our lives, and death is the result of sin - turning away from God, the source of life. We need a Savior to rescue us from sin and death.
Jesus Christ is that Savior. He lived a perfect life, died the death we deserved, conquered death, and rose again. Now, when we face death, we don't face it alone. We face it with God on our side, with the only One who has walked through death and emerged victorious.
Joy Is Not Based on Circumstances
The shepherds who received the announcement of Christ's birth weren't living in ideal conditions. They were in the wilderness, dealing with extreme weather and difficult circumstances. Yet it was to them that the angels announced the arrival of great joy.
Similarly, Mary and Joseph were facing scandal and hardship. But God's joy isn't dependent on perfect circumstances.
The Difference Between Happiness and Joy
Happiness is based on what happens - it's circumstantial, reactive, temporary, and limited
Joy is based on what is true - it's anchored in who God is and what He has done for us
You can't be happy and sad simultaneously, but you can be joyful while grieving. As Scripture says, we can be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Corinthians 6:10).
Think of happiness like weather - it changes constantly based on conditions. Joy is like climate - it's determined by your location. When your life is "hidden with Christ in God," when you are "seated with Christ in heavenly places," your position doesn't change based on circumstances.
Joy Has a Name: Jesus
Joy isn't an abstract concept or feeling - it's a person. Jesus is the source of joy because He is the source of God's presence with us. "Emmanuel" means "God with us."
The beautiful truth of Christmas is that we don't have to earn our way into God's presence. God came down to us. We don't have to clean up our act or hope our good deeds outweigh our bad ones. God made the first move because He knew we needed a rescuer.
As C.S. Lewis wrote, "If you want to get warm, you must stand near the fire. If you want to be wet, then you must get in the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, then you must get close to or even into the very source that has them." That source is Jesus.
The Power of Good News
When real joy - the joy of salvation and God's love - lands on your heart, it has the power to:
Expel darkness
Set you free
Strengthen you through difficult seasons
Transform your perspective
Overflow into the lives of others
This joy is uncontainable. Like the shepherds who "told everyone what had happened," when we encounter the good news of great joy, we naturally want to share it with others.
Life Application
This week, examine where you're looking for joy and satisfaction. Are you seeking it in circumstances, achievements, relationships, or possessions? While these aren't bad things, they can't provide the deep, lasting joy your heart truly needs.
Instead, draw near to Jesus - the source of uncontainable joy. Spend time in His presence through prayer, Scripture, and worship. Remember that your position in Christ doesn't change based on your circumstances. You are loved, forgiven, and secure in Him regardless of what you're facing.
Questions for Reflection:
What circumstances or achievements am I depending on for happiness?
How can I anchor my joy in who God is rather than what's happening around me?
In what ways can I draw closer to Jesus as the source of true satisfaction?
How might the joy I've found in Christ naturally overflow into the lives of others?
The search for joy is over. It's found in Jesus Christ, and it's available to you right now, regardless of your circumstances.
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Hark The Herald Angels Sing - North Point Worship
King of Kings - Hillsong Worship
Breakthrough - Red Rocks Worship
God So Loved - We The Kingdom
WFC Speedway
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) - Chris Tomlin
Here Comes Heaven - Elevation Worship
Trust In God - Elevation Worship
Jesus You Alone - Highlands Worship
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!
