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

Christmas is a season of rejoicing. As we enter the third week of Advent—intentionally centering our hearts on joy—we are reminded that joy is not the same as happiness, nor is it dependent on the ease of our circumstances.

Happiness is often reactive. It rises when life feels light and fades when life feels heavy. Joy, on the other hand, is deeper and more enduring. Life is not always joyful, but joy is a posture—a conscious decision to trust God even when our surroundings suggest otherwise. It is a choice rooted not in what is happening around us, but in who is holding us.

Paul’s command to “rejoice always” is especially striking when we consider where it was written. Imprisoned and stripped of comfort, Paul does not deny hardship; instead, he redirects the source of joy. His rejoicing is anchored “in the Lord,” not in freedom, success, or certainty. This teaches us that biblical joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of Christ within it.

The joy that comes from Jesus is unshakable because it flows from an internal reality rather than external conditions. It is sustained by the confidence that God is faithful, near, and at work—even when outcomes are unclear. Advent reminds us that joy entered the world through Christ Himself, stepping into brokenness, darkness, and waiting.

Because of this, our rejoicing is not seasonal or situational. It is rooted in the truth that God came near—and remains near. When our joy is grounded in the Lord, it becomes a steady strength that carries us through both celebration and struggle.

Prayer

Father, in this Advent season, teach us to rejoice in You and not in our circumstances. Anchor our joy in Your presence, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain. Help us choose joy daily—trusting that You are near, faithful, and at work. As we celebrate the coming of Christ, remind us that true joy is found in Him alone and cannot be taken away. Amen.