December 16 - John 15:11

December 16, 2025
December 16 - John 15:11

In the middle of a month supposedly overflowing with celebrations and festivities, joy often seems elusive. We know Jesus brings joy, but holding onto truth, and discerning how to hold that joy, feels as slippery as ice in December.

Hours before He went to the cross, Jesus said to His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) In exploring the context of this scene between Jesus and His disciples from John 13-17, we find Jesus teaching us how to have and hold His joy! The entry point to Joy is faith shaped by truth and evidence. Jesus invited His disciples to “Believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

Genuine faith in God brings closeness; “…whoever would draw near to God must believe…”. (Hebrews 11:6) This nearness to God results in a life that looks more like Jesus’. “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do.” (John 14:12) In this space of relational nearness and growth, Jesus promises peace, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” (John 14:27)

Finally, Jesus shares the joy factor by emphasizing His pathway again, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, […] These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11)

When we come to Jesus in faith we are pulled close to His side, taught to live a life of love, and gifted peace only Jesus can give. This, brothers and sisters, is where joy’s effervescence thrives!

Hi, Northland family. A friend of mine once commented. It's a lot harder to hold on to joy, than grief and bitterness. How profound. In the middle of a month, supposedly overflowing, with joyous celebration, family gatherings and gift givings. Joy is often a gift we find ourselves groping for in the dark of December. Paul rallies the believers in Philippi and us. Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice. As the recipients of mercy, grace, and love for all eternity in Jesus. We can mentally assent. Yes, believers should be the most joy filled people on the planet, even in December. But the loss of loved ones, haunts our hearts as the holidays draw near. Financial pressure for gifts, squeeze our bank accounts and our stress load. Disappointment, unmet expectations, and pure exhaustion from the blur of busy seem to deplete our joy faster than we can refuel it. We know the truth. Jesus came to give life in abundance, but holding on to truth feels as slippery as icicles. Thankfully, Jesus never spoke meaningless, pithy sayings for us to somehow attain while ignoring real life realities. Consider his words to his disciples, on the last night before he went to the cross, on John 1510. I have spoken these things to you, so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. Jesus isn't just sending us a cliche statement to be joyful as good Christians. He's unpacking how to have and hold that joy. That's a truth worth knowing and holding on to, all year long. I hope you'll spend some time in John 13 to 17. and join me in exploring today's joy passage for our Northland family advent devotions.