When Christmas Joy is a Little Janky
Or: Diva Christmas and the Very Wobbly Christmas Tree
1. Luke 2:10
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”
2. Matthew 2:10
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
The holidays are supposed to be a season of warmth, laughter, and joy. But what happens when everything feels…hard? And cold?
When life isn’t picturesque and the world weighs heavy on your heart, the idea of joy can feel impossible. Family stuff, health challenges, finances, or loneliness (shout out to those with a deployed loved one!!) can shake up our holiday joy.
Picture a Christmas tree after a cat jumps in it: a little bit messed up, goofy-looking and possibly about to topple over.
Have you felt like that lately? That Christmas tree is totally me right now.
I’m writing today’s devotional from the doctor’s office! I’m awaiting x-ray results after I fell down my stairs this morning. I was carrying my daughter, who is almost 6, so we could slowly wake up together on the couch. She’s getting big and I just…lost my balance. I leaned backwards and turned myself into her personal sled (how festive right?) while my legs went under me, hit the stairs and took the brunt of the fall. My left ankle looks like i strapped a grapefruit to it.
My daughter is fine, thank GOD. She said that she doesn’t think mama should carry her down the stairs anymore, though. And the doctor said the same thing. (Update as I’m editing this: thank the Lord I did not break any bones!)
I would pull that stairs move a million times over again to protect her from the fall, but I’m not gonna lie: I’m in pain, worried how I’m gonna finish all the Christmas tasks and mom life stuff, and my holiday joy feels a little janky today – like that leaning Christmas tree I mentioned. Wobbly!
But here’s the truth: true joy isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness is fleeting, tied to circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is rooted in the unchanging love and presence of God. Do you hear that? ROOTED. ANCHORED. (Not gonna topple!)
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
Even in seasons of hardship, joy IS possible because it doesn’t depend on what’s happening around us—it flows from God’s goodness within us. The roots of His love flow up and in and around us – always. Keeping ALL of us grounded.
Jesus came into a broken world, born into humble circumstances, surrounded by challenges. (His manger might have even been a little wobbly!) And yet, His coming brought good news of great joy (Luke 2:10) for everyone. That includes you, in this moment, even if things feel broken or messy.
Does it feel like the Christmas tree of your heart is a leaning tower of Pisa? How many cats does it look like have jumped in? Is the star atop the tree of joy closer to the ground than the sky? Maybe that star is meant to be GRABBED and embraced where it is!
Let God meet you where you are, even if that’s the floor. He sees you. He’s with you. His love is a mighty Redwood keeping you grounded.. Let His joy be your strength today—quiet, steady, and faithful, even in the middle of the mess. Ask God for help today. Let Him help you reach that star and feel Christmas Joy!
Prayer:
Lord, You know my heart feels heavy this holiday season. Help me shift my focus to You, the source of lasting joy. Teach me to rest in Your presence and find strength in Your love, no matter what this season brings. Amen.
Action:
• Write down one small thing today that reminds you of God’s goodness and gives you joy.
