Article: Finding Joy and Peace in Jesus Christ | Jacob Varghese

The Christmas season is here, and it is traditionally a time of joy and celebration, marked by gatherings of loved ones, festive decorations, and the exchange of gifts. However, in times of crisis, such as the ones we often find ourselves in, the true essence of Christmas can become obscured. This article aims to explore how we can find lasting joy and peace in Jesus Christ, even amidst difficult circumstances, by turning to the Bible for guidance and support.

I. The Source of True Joy: A Saviour Is Born

The foundation of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Bible tells us in Luke 2:10-11, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”

Let us embrace the message of salvation. Remember that the true source of joy lies in the redemptive work of Christ and celebrate His birth as the ultimate gift.

II. Peace in Times of Turmoil: The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Even in times of crisis, Jesus offers us the promise of peace.

Let us seek peace through prayer and trust. Pray for God’s peace to guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7) and trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is in control.

III. Gratitude and Generosity: The Joy of Giving

The act of giving is at the heart of Christmas. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Even in times of crisis, we can find joy by giving to others, whether through our time, resources, or love.

Let us extend kindness to those in need. Find ways to give to those less fortunate, whether through charitable donations, volunteering, or simply reaching out to offer support and encouragement.

IV. Family and Fellowship: Building Strong Relationships

Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends. In Psalm 133:1, we read, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Even when we face a crisis, we can find joy in the company of loved ones.

Let us prioritise meaningful connections. Use Christmas as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends, whether through shared meals, quality time, or heartfelt conversations.

V. The Light in the Darkness: Let Your Light Shine

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Even in the darkest of times, we can be a beacon of hope by reflecting Christ’s light.

Let us share Christ’s light through kindness, compassion, and love. Be a source of encouragement and support to those around you, offering hope in times of crisis.

Christmas in times of crisis can still be a season of great joy and peace when we focus on the true meaning of the season. By turning to the Bible for guidance and practical applications, we can find solace in the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Let His message of salvation, His promise of peace, and His love for humanity inspire us to embrace the joy of giving, build strong relationships, and be a light in the darkness. In doing so, we can experience the true essence of Christmas even in the most challenging of times.

In a world marked by ongoing conflicts and crises, the message of Christmas becomes even more poignant. As we face the challenges of war and unrest in various regions like Turkey, Russia, Israel, and Palestine, we can find solace in the unifying message of Christ’s birth. It reminds us that we can still strive for peace, reconciliation, and unity amid turmoil. By embracing the teachings of Jesus and working towards a world where love and compassion prevail, we can be a living testament to the hope that Christmas brings, even in the most tumultuous times.