Joy, is one of the fruits of the spirit. The Greek word for joy is chara.
| The KJV translates Strong’s G5479 in the following manner: joy (51x), gladness (3x), joyful (1x), joyous (1x), joyfulness (1x), joyfully (with G3326) (1x), greatly (1x). |
| Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
I. joy, gladness A. the joy received from you B. the cause or occasion of joy i. of persons who are one’s joy |
| Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend)
χαρά chará, khar-ah’; from G5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:—gladness, ×greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous). |
Joy is a strong emotion and one we get from the Holy Spirit. When we get saved we get this. God is our joy. From His Word comes joy, and our hope for eternity gives us joy.
Even in times of doubt and such we can experience Joy, if we abide in Christ. The Bible mentions “joy” or “rejoicing” 330 times.
This time of the year is filled with so much joy. Christ’s birthday! That in itself is amazing. Right? Can you imagine how happy Mary and Joseph were as they awaited for Him to be born? Afterwards when the shepherds came.
It was a time to celebrate the long-awaited Messiah. The one who would save them! They 
must have been busting at the seams. I wonder if, Mary had a smile on her face that wouldn’t leave. I’m sure she had joy deep in her heart.
At Christmas time, something in the air changes. Maybe, it is just me who thinks this, but it is like magic is in the air. Joy seems to just flow more freely. I know the holidays can be hard for people. Remember God is our joy, no one can take that from you. Ever.
Happiness comes and goes as the events in our lives change but the joy of the Lord is constant. Jesus can fill those lonely empty places with joy. “The joy of the Lord will make you strong.” Nehemiah 8:10
Joy looks out and up, not inward. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yes, let them exceedingly rejoice. Psalms 68:3
I pray this Christmas that you find joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.
Allyson is a published author, blogger, wife and mom to 4 kids. Three of her children are on the autism spectrum. She suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. On her blog you can find her writing about being an author, her faith and family. She resides in Missouri with her loving husband and four wonderful children, and three cats. She’s addicted to knitting and coffee.
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Defying Shadows 