By Rachel Loe, December 18, 2023

Joy to the World! What a wonderful phrase! There are Christmas trees, candy canes, and tacky sweater contests. The frivolity and almost childlike cheer have permeated the workplace as people discuss plans and look forward to a chance to break from work and be with their loved ones. As the day of Christmas draws closer and the end of the year wraps up, most companies will gather their employees to celebrate and have fun in the Christmas spirit. The common dilemma this puts Christians in is, can we attend these events without damaging our testimony for Christ? Yes, we should attend! In fact, I believe that is irresponsible for us not to attend! I am not saying that those who follow Christ should engage in any raucous or immoral behavior, but as we have the truth of the meaning of the joy of Christmas, we should be the most joyful in this time and be the light in the darkness! We celebrate this time with thanksgiving and cheer as we have the eternal hope the world seeks! So, why do I say we should go?

1.    Be in the world but not of it.

It is a common Christian phrase, but how is it applied in this context? Christ calls us to be a light to the world, a shining city on a hill (Matthew 5:14). This does not mean we shy away from gatherings because we are different, but that we go into those places and love the people there in a Christlike manner. Not falling into peer pressure to participate in overindulgence (Ephesians 5:18) but being a relational person who loves being with their fellow man. We are in these work environments every day; our testimony is how we work and live, so how can people see that if we do not live with them and in front of them? Christ dined with tax collectors and people the religious elite of the day spurned (Mark 2:13-17; Matthew 9:10-17). How can we emulate Christ if we isolate ourselves and don’t go into the places He has put us?

2.    Joy is in the job description

As Christians, we have an obligation to be joyful! “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy …” (Galatians 5:22 ESV) These first two fruits of love and joy encapsulate how we interact with the world. You cannot love people if you are not with them, and they cannot see the true joy in you if you hide away. Building relationships comes with the territory. Being with people, showing them that you love them and are a person as well, is how we live. Joy is more than a fleeting emotion of happiness and glee. It is an all-encompassing peace and hope that is only truly experienced through the work of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 16:11).

It is easy to retreat into the safe haven of Christian isolation; it is harder to be in the world and live for Christ on display. It makes a bold testament for Christ when you live in and among the world and do it in a Christ-like manner.

“Rejoice in the world always; again I will say rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4 ESV)