The predominant emotion we proclaim during Christmas is JOY – aptly emphasized by the resounding notes of the popular carol, “JOY To the World – the LORD is come!” And indeed, it is the absolute truth, as announced to a group of shepherds by a great choir of angels on that wintry night in the Judean countryside – “I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY – for unto you is born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!” .

Yet as we observe the celebratory festivities that climax on the 25th of December, we also experience a ‘winding down’ with the passing of the season – leaves me to wonder – “Does our joy ebb like the tide?” Or could we be mistaking “Happiness” for joy?? Is there a difference?

We had the opportunity to reflect on this topic in July when we met as a large group during our Regional Governing Body meetings, which is an apt reminder to us during this season of Christmas.

• Happiness is instantaneous, while joy most often takes time to develop
• Happiness similarly ebbs quickly once the event is passed, while joy lingers, and even grows within us
• Happiness can be bought, with gifts and celebrations, while joy can NOT, as its source is far deeper – it is most often borne out of periods of difficulty and pain

While both are God-given expressions, the focus of Christmas is not happiness, but joy! So while the happiness of the season fades, the joy of knowing Emmanuel can only grow with each passing day, as we have the opportunity of experiencing the nearness of the Living God in our lives, culminating in the blessed hope of one day SEEING HIM FACE TO FACE – when our joy will be complete!!

The JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH – may this JOY sustain each of us in all situations and seasons, till HE comes again.

We in EHA wish you all a JOYOUS CHRISTMAS!

Dr. Joshua Sunil Gokavi
Executive Director, Emmanuel Hospital Association