How can I have joy this Christmas? - Christmas at the Movies Week 1 Thoughts

This Christmas season, Pastor Bobby is preaching a series titled “Christmas at the Movies.” Who doesn’t love a good Christmas movie? The tradition of watching the same movies year after year with my family brings up so much nostalgia. There’s nothing quite like cuddling up on the couch with some eggnog or hot chocolate. Do you prefer some of the older classics, such as “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Or an animated favorite such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or the original “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?” Maybe you’re into goofy, fun movies like “Elf” (my favorite!). Or perhaps you’re one of those weirdos who think that Die Hard is a Christmas movie (my husband will die on this hill). 

This week, the movie tie-in was “Elf.” I will never NOT quote my pal Buddy around the holiday season because he seems to bring smiles wherever he goes, including to New York City. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” If you know me, I generally have a strict after-Thanksgiving rule about Christmas music, but once that turkey is in my belly, it’s all systems go, and until December 26th, that’s ALL you’ll find me listening to. I will sing along at the top of my lungs—and much like how I describe my worship singing in church, what I lack in talent, I make up for in enthusiasm.

Pastor Bobby led us into the sermon with Luke 2:25-32, where we meet Simeon.

Luke 2.25-32 |There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.30 For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.

Imagine meeting some stranger’s baby out in public and having that much joy over him. His life was completely made by greeting this baby, so much so that he tells God, “Okay, you can take me home now, because I have met the Messiah.” How’s that for a bucket list? He saw the light. He trusted that God would fulfill His promise. “He allowed the promise to bring him peace.” I’m sure the waiting was terrible, and I’m sure every time he met someone knew, he was waiting for that moment–I can’t imagine how stressful that would be and how much like giving up I would probably feel. But if you read again, Simeon had something ON him to keep him going. The Holy Spirit. 

Pastor Bobby told us that the Holy Spirit is described in the Bible as “the fullness of God.” He focused on two ways we can experience the Holy Spirit. First, is through the Gospel; knowing the depth of the love of Christ. And second, is through God’s Word; the Holy Spirit moves us and shapes us into who God wants us to be through Scripture.

So, back to Simeon. He felt such great joy in meeting Jesus. When is the last time that you really experienced that kind of joy for Jesus? We all have circumstances and situations in our life that are less than ideal…but happiness and joy are not the same thing. Simeon’s people had been suffering, but he stayed connected to the Holy Spirit, knowing he was promised that he would meet the Messiah before he left this earth, so he was waiting, looking for something. Want that kind of joy? “Raise your perspective.”

The Holy Spirit is what got Simeon through the waiting while looking for Jesus, and it can be the same for you. “Joy depends on the Holy Spirit.” If you’re looking for anything else this Christmas season, you will not be satisfied. He had his eyes on the prize, and it made all the difference. He raised that baby up with JOY. He celebrated and praised. Think about how you celebrate with your family, or your co-workers this holiday season. Put that much effort into celebrating the reason for the season, and I bet you’ll feel a difference. “Adoration produces joy.”

Buddy the Elf celebrating when he found out that Santa was coming to Gimbels, is probably one of the scenes from “Elf” that everyone remembers and re-enacts. That enthusiasm, that joy that Buddy is displaying–that should be us not just during the Christmas season, but year-round for Jesus. “Joy comes from knowing Him.” You can have all of the money in the world, be whatever definition most people have of success. You can be surrounded by friends and family. But until you know Jesus, you will never be satisfied or truly joyful. 

Enjoy your Christmas movies and all of your family traditions, absolutely. But remember the reason we’re celebrating. Enthusiastically praise Him, and you’ll feel that joy come right back to you.

(Photo taken from the City Hope Church Facebook)