Editor's Note: This Christmas season, we are honored as Northwest Adventist representatives to join the Circle of Trees in the City of Ridgefield, sharing a message of Joy to the World. The holiday globes of different sizes, the twinkling lights and the billowing white cloud-like gauze ribbon all point us upward to the Star of Wonder. As you read this story and biblical reflection, we invite you to consider the joy, hope and faith that guide us in every season of life.
"Open the gate!" The Roman guards’ command echoed through the night, setting off a whirlwind of activity inside Bethlehem’s bustling marketplace. Shopkeepers shouted their wares to wary travelers, children shook tambourines with delight, the blacksmith’s hammer resonated and sheep bleated from their nearby pens. It’s chaos and community all at once — a snapshot of life in the middle of the story.
This is the scene I often walked in upon as an official photographer for an outdoor nativity drama production for 15-plus years. The sights, smells and sounds transported guests back in time, drowning out the noise of traffic and busyness of life just outside the drama set.
I’ve frequently had an interesting realization as I moved through the shopkeepers’ stalls in the city, surrounded by the commotion of there being “no room in the inn.”
Where I could see the whole picture, the cast only had a limited viewpoint of the overall story from the vantage point of their stall or scene. Just like the shopkeepers and villagers in ancient Bethlehem didn’t know what would happen next, the cast, caught up in the moment, didn't know what was happening beyond their immediate surroundings or role in the narrative.
The shopkeepers and villagers of Mary and Joseph's day were living in the middle of their story. They were navigating a government census, dealing with political uncertainty and enduring Roman oppression. They were figuring out how to put food on the table for their children while managing the stress of customers haggling for deals — everyone pinching pennies to pay their taxes.
That first winter may have felt as bleak as some seasons of life feel now. Joy? For many, it likely seemed unattainable amidst rising taxes, political unrest and the struggles of daily survival. Even today, we ask similar questions: How can there be joy when health falters, finances dwindle or relationships face strain?
But the ancient words of scripture hold timeless wisdom for finding joy, even in the midst of uncertainty. Take, for instance, the shepherds in the fields that night — simple laborers going about their routines, only to be startled by a divine message of hope. Luke 2:9–10 recounts the moment vividly:
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”
It’s not hard to imagine why they were terrified — most of us would be, too, if faced with such an awe-inspiring phenomenon!
Let’s explore more instances of joy in scripture, beginning with a powerful challenge from the book of James:
“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.”
Pure joy? In the face of tribulation?
This is where attitude and perspective intersect with life’s challenges. It’s here we shift the narrative from “Why me?” to “Why not me?”
When we consciously choose joy, even amid difficulties, we embody what the Bible calls the fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
There is no law restraining us from embracing these fruits. Love matters. Joy matters. Peace matters. Forbearance (tolerance) matters. Kindness matters. Goodness matters. Faithfulness matters. Gentleness matters. Self-control matters.
All these virtues stem from a transformed mindset — a deliberate choice of head and heart space. Choosing joy isn’t about denying struggles but about re-framing them in light of faith and the Spirit’s work in us.
How do we live a joyful life? Once again, scripture provides timeless wisdom:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It’s hard to remain sour about life when you’re rejoicing always, choosing gratitude in every circumstance and bringing your needs before God in prayer. Gratitude transforms our perspective, allowing joy to take root in our hearts.
Scripture also offers additional prompts for cultivating joy in our daily lives:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
These verses remind us that joy is more than a fleeting feeling; it’s a mindset rooted in hope, patience and the presence of God. It’s choosing to trust in His promises and letting that trust shape how we navigate life’s challenges.
As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 begins, I’ve found myself reflecting on the joy levels in my own life. I’ve asked myself some important questions: What’s working in life? What’s not quite working? What could be better? In the midst of the hustle and bustle, it's easy to overlook whether joy is truly thriving in our everyday lives — or not.
No matter where you are in your journey, joy can still be found, even if it feels distant or elusive. I understand that for some, life’s hardships may make joy seem out of reach — whether you're facing deep struggles, wrestling with doubts or dealing with hurt.
It’s okay to be where you are, and joy doesn’t depend on having everything figured out or having a supposedly perfect life. It’s not about denying the hard times but about choosing to seek hope, even in the darkest moments. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, moments of connection, kindness and gratitude can still bring peace and light to our lives.
Healing — like joy — often takes time and small steps, but it’s never too late to start looking for the good. Even in the midst of pain or confusion, there’s always space for hope to grow, and sometimes joy can surprise us when we least expect it.
Whatever is happening in your life, I encourage you to go in pursuit of joy — and the Joy-Giver. He is the one who ultimately brings joy to the world. Through Jesus Christ’s miraculous birth, healing ministry, tragic death on the cross and magnificent resurrection, we have the gift of eternal joy. Just before Jesus faced the cross, He shared these words with His followers, who were troubled by the uncertainty ahead:
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
The day is coming — soon — when our joy will never be taken away by life’s circumstances.
Until that day, I’ve been claiming this blessing from scripture for myself, and I invite you to do the same:
“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.”
As you step into 2025, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect on your own joy. Consider how God might be calling you to pursue greater joy this year. What’s working in your life, and where do you sense His invitation to go deeper? Let’s step into this new year with renewed joy, trusting in the One who fills us with all peace and joy.
