Joy In The Chaos
Christmas is here again—trees decorated, lights hung, wish lists made. Everywhere you look, Christmas is marketed as peaceful, cozy, and picture-perfect.
But if we’re honest? Christmas is also chaotic. Between busyness, financial pressure, family tension, comparison, exhaustion, and grief—many people experience Christmas without experiencing Christ. And joy gets swallowed up in the noise.
But here’s the good news: The very first Christmas was also chaotic—and God chose that moment to bring joy into the world.
Let’s look at how joy can break into our chaos too.
Christmas Has Always Been Chaotic
- There Was Personal Chaos
Joseph and Mary were engaged when Mary suddenly told Joseph she was pregnant—by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18–25) Joseph was confused, embarrassed, and heartbroken. Mary was carrying a miracle no one could understand. Their plans were shattered. Yet in the middle of their personal chaos, God sent an angel and brought clarity, guidance, and, ultimately, joy.
Sometimes we need a supernatural moment in the middle of our personal chaos too.
- There Was Political Chaos
Luke 2 tells us that a Roman census forced Mary and Joseph to travel roughly 90 miles while Mary was very pregnant. Imagine taking a long donkey ride from when you’re nine months pregnant. No one wants that. Ever. They arrive in Bethlehem exhausted…only to find no room available. So Jesus—the Savior of the world—was born in a stable. Their world was full of political pressure, inconvenience, and displacement. And in the middle of that chaos…joy was born.
- There Was Persecution Chaos
King Herod, threatened by Jesus’ birth, ordered all baby boys killed. Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt as refugees (Matthew 2:13). Even while running for their lives, God’s plan was still unfolding. Joy was still present—because joy isn’t the absence of chaos but the presence of Christ.
So What Is Joy?
When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they said: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”—Luke 2:10
The Greek word for joy, chara, literally comes from the word charis, meaning grace.
Here is my definition of joy: Joy is the steady gladness that comes from God’s grace.
Joy is different than happy.
Happiness depends on what happens.
Joy depends on God’s grace.
Happiness is emotional.
Joy is spiritual.
Happiness rises and falls.
Joy is rooted and steady.
God is trustworthy, stable, reliable, and good—and joy flows from that unchanging truth.
How to Experience More Joy This Christmas
- Receive God’s Promises About Your Life
God promises that we can have joy in suffering (James 1:2–4).
God promises that we can have joy in loss (Psalm 30:5).
God promises that we can have joy in salvation (Psalm 51:12; 1 Peter 1:8–9).
Even when life is hard, heaven is guaranteed. Joy isn’t pretending everything is fine. Joy is knowing God is still working.
- Recognize God’s Presence in Your Life
Before the angels spoke to the shepherds, the glory of God showed up. (Luke 2:9) Joy increases when our awareness of God’s presence increases.
Psalm 16:11 says: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence…”
Bring God’s presence into:
your marriage.
your schedule.
your finances.
your parenting.
your decisions.
your work.
Where God’s presence increases, joy increases. Make space this Christmas to sit with God, read Scripture, and breathe in His peace.
- Remember God’s Purpose for Your Life
The angel told the shepherds: “I bring you good news…” Ordinary shepherds were suddenly included in God’s extraordinary plan. Purpose always produces joy. Joy entered their lives not because their problems disappeared but because their purpose became clear. And the same is true for us.
You are called.
You are assigned.
You are included in God’s story.
And that brings deep, lasting joy.
A Final Thought
Most people aren’t joyless because life is bad. They’re joyless because life feels meaningless. But the Christmas story reminds us that God brings joy right into the chaos. He works in chaos. He works when life feels upside-down. The shepherds weren’t joyful because circumstances improved. They were joyful because Jesus came—and they realized they had a part in God’s story.
And so do you. This Christmas, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him (Romans 15:13).
***This blog post was adapted from a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Kimbrow at Legacy Church. Click the “Watch Sermon” button below to watch to the sermon in its entirety.***