Can we really rejoice in a time like this? What kind of time is “this”? We all find ourselves in places, situations, and relationships that seem to invite anything but rejoicing. For so many of us, these holy days (holidays) feel like anything but holy. And yet, the signs and messages all around us tell us that we should rejoice. It’s Christmas. It’s the holiday season. While there may be circumstances that we want to rejoice in, there are equally, if not more difficult things, in our awareness. We know that we can’t just turn them off and act like they aren’t there. But … what do we do? Is there a way to be present to the hard things as well as to the more joyful things in a way that transcends both? This is actually the nature of the human condition: difficulties and pleasures all mixed up in a soup that sometimes we’d rather not partake.

In Scripture, we’re invited to rejoice always. (Philippians 4:4) That may seem too tall of a task unless we understand a bit more about the nature of the rejoicing that is invited.

In the invitation to rejoice, there are two caveats that can shape our understanding of rejoicing that grounds it in reality rather than thinking it is an invitation to stick our heads in the sand and say all is well when all isn’t well. First, alongside rejoice are the words: “Let your patience be known to all.” Rejoicing comes from a place of patience, believing that God is at work and that the present circumstances are never the final story. In patience, we actively trust that no matter the situation, there is more coming in the future. This leads us to a hopeful rejoicing. Second, the ground of our rejoicing is found later in the verse 5: “the Lord is near.” He is with us. He is near. He is companioning us and walking with us in all things. So, whether they are hard, things or more joyful, we can rejoice because He is with us. 

Out of this rejoicing in the nearness of God, we are invited to pray and give thanks. Joy is found in His presence … the “withness” of God. Prayer is a natural response to finding our joy in Him. We cry out to Him for strength and wisdom and love and assurance. And this comes with thanksgiving … gratitude because He is with us in all things. This invitation to rejoice, pray, and give thanks is also found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God’s will is another way of saying … God’s heart or His desire. He desires so deeply for us to see Him as near and to find joy that He is not far away but right here, in this present moment, inviting us to reach out to Him.

Perhaps, this is why Paul could write later in Philippians 4:11-13 that he could do all things, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty andhunger, abundance and need.I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Our joy is in the nearness of God, out of which we dependently seek God, and give thanks in all things because we know He is at work. This is the real joy of Christmas … God with us in all things. And it is the joy of everyday living – whether mundane or spectacular.

A Prayerful Meditation: sit quietly and close your eyes, sensing that God is right there with you. Find joy in this reality. Sit with this for a few moments/minutes and then ask for help in some way. Finally, give thanks because, even in this, God is with you and at work. Be specific about your gratefulness. Repeat throughout the day and especially as you find yourself in a “non-rejoicing” kind of place.