During our recent Christmas season I noticed many references to JOY. Exactly what is “joy,” and why is it so closely connected with Christmas? We note first of all that on the night of Jesus’ birth, the angel of God said to the shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10, ESV). My favorite Christmas song begins, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” For Christians, this joy is not limited to the nativity season. As children, many of us sang year-round: “I have the joy, joy, joy, joy — down in … Continue reading →