“Merry Christmas” is a typical greeting this time of year, but do we ever really think about what we’re saying?  What we’re saying, in essence, is to rejoice in the day that Jesus was born.  To be happy that He came.  To be joyful in our Savior who came to Earth for us.  It’s not a solemn occasion, but a reason to be full of joy.  It’s something to be happy about, something to truly celebrate.  And maybe we don’t always appreciate the magnitude of it.

Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

The arrival of Jesus in any way brings joy.  Indeed, joy is a fruit of the Spirit and is therefore an integral part of God Himself.  Jesus Himself is joy, and Jesus was full of joy, and His presence in our lives should inspire that same joy.  His presence in the world makes the angels sing.  His presence in heaven does the same.  And so as He dwells in our hearts, He should make our hearts sing with that everlasting and God-given joy.  He came to give us His joy, a fullness of joy we can’t have apart from Him.

So as we wish each other merry Christmas this season, let’s not forget what we’re saying.  Let’s not forget what we’re celebrating.  Let’s not allow our joy to be eclipsed by worry or stress, but rejoice with our whole hearts that Jesus is with us.  Let’s remember that the reason we can have such joy is not because of what we have or don’t have, who we are or who we aren’t.  We have joy because Jesus gives it to us.  So let’s allow ourselves to truly be full of His joy.