Joy In The Journey - A Christmas Sermon

Christmas: A Time of Journey

When we look closely at the Christmas narrative, we realize that it is also a story of journeys. Every major figure in the story of Christ's birth undertook some form of a journey.

The Bible itself is filled with stories of journeys, from beginning to end. The journey began with Adam and Eve as they departed from the Garden of Eden, starting their new life in a broken world. Then there was Abraham, whom God called from a remote place to embark on an unknown journey. Abraham obeyed God's command to go to a land he had never seen, trusting that God would guide him. We see this theme of journeys woven throughout Scripture—through the lives of prophets, apostles, and even the Christmas story itself.

Mary's Visit to Elizabeth

Mary was pregnant because the angel told her she would conceive through the power of God. She struggled with this news, uncertain and overwhelmed. When she questioned how this could happen, given that she was a virgin, the angel reassured her, explaining that it was God's doing. To strengthen her faith, the angel shared another miracle: Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, who had been barren for many years, was now expecting a child in her old age.

After hearing this message, Mary decided to take a journey to visit Elizabeth. This decision was significant. In her time of doubt and confusion, she sought someone who could understand her situation and offer comfort.

When we face challenges that confuse or overwhelm us, we can learn from Mary’s example. There are moments in life when we need to step away from the chaos and seek clarity. It might mean leaving distractions behind—turning off phones, avoiding the news, and disconnecting from everything that pulls us away from God and inner peace. Spending time with ourselves, in nature, and with God can bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

When Mary met Elizabeth, who was six months pregnant with the baby who would later become known as John the Baptist, something extraordinary happened. The baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped with great joy. In that moment, both women were filled with overwhelming joy and broke into song.

These songs became two of the greatest expressions of worship, celebrated by churches throughout history. Elizabeth’s song is known as “The Beatitude of Elizabeth,” while Mary’s song is called the “Magnificat.”

Their encounter is a profound testament to the joy and praise that comes from recognizing God’s hand at work in their lives and the lives of their children.

Life often surprises us with unexpected challenges. It might be a shocking medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or another trial that shakes us deeply. These moments can feel like the end of the world, but they are not. They are pieces of the puzzle God is putting together in our lives, even if we don’t understand them in the moment.

Still, in the midst of these challenges, we can choose joy. I once heard of a woman who answered every phone call by saying, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” When her husband passed away, she continued to greet callers in the same way. When people asked her how she could maintain such faith even in her grief, she responded, “God has given me one more day to live, and I will rejoice. My husband is in a better place. Why should I be miserable?”

Her story is a powerful reminder that every moment is a gift from God, meant to be cherished and lived with joy. Those we love, who have gone before us, are now enjoying the presence of God. We, too, can celebrate the life we have, knowing that one day we will join them.

Journey to Bethlehem

Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, shepherds journeyed to see the newborn Savior, and the Wise Men followed a star across vast distances to worship the King. Each of these journeys teaches us something profound about faith, obedience, and joy along the way.

In one of my books, Joy in the Journey, I reflect on how we often focus solely on the destination. For instance, when we plan a vacation to a beautiful place like Alaska or Hawaii, our minds are fixed on the joy we expect to experience when we arrive. Similarly, if we are traveling to visit loved ones we haven’t seen in years, the excitement of reuniting with them fills our hearts with joy. In these moments, the destination becomes our source of happiness.

Take Mary and Joseph, for example. Their journey to Bethlehem was not by choice. A decree had been issued that everyone must return to their hometown to register for taxes. For Joseph and a pregnant Mary, that meant a difficult journey of 15-20 miles over treacherous roads, perhaps on foot or by donkey.