“Joy to the World,” reads the popular Christmas tune. But why? Why does the world have so much joy at this time?

“The Lord has come. Let earth receive our King.”

Is this really why the earth rejoices at Christmas time? If this is the case, then why are the malls busier than ever? Why do people go crazy on Black Friday? Why do we complain when we didn’t get the iPhone we wanted? Why do we stress out about what we are going to wear to our church’s Christmas Eve service while disregarding what is even spoken of during the service? Why do we struggle to get the perfect family photo in front of the tree or the cutest couple photo under the mistletoe?

We are supposed to be full of peace and joy at this time, aren’t we?

The answer is simple: greed and vanity. This world is so insatiable and desperate for more that it sickens me if I think too much about it. What sickens me even more, is that I feel the influence of it on myself. I ashamedly admit that I have thought to myself that I would really just love to have that new pair of shoes even though I know I have three pairs just like it at home. I have looked at a coat that I want and added to my Christmas list without thinking of who or what could stand to benefit more greatly with that money.

Gifts, Christmas Eve services, dressing up, and cute pictures are all a wonderful part of Christmas, but they are not everything. It is my prayer that this Christmas season be full of joy, but for the right reasons. Rather than our joy being stemmed from the gifts we receive or the family get-togethers we have, we remember the reason for them and derive our joy from that. The Lord is fulfilling, while greed and vanity leave one empty and constantly wanting more. Getting things on your wish list may satisfy your desires temporarily, but keeping Christ as the focus of your Christmastime is a necessary part of a life that is a constant pursuit towards Him. This life in Christ goes beyond temporary satisfaction and is eternally fulfilling.

That is the reason we celebrate Christmas; not to have an excuse to cater to our internal greed and vanity, but to bring the world together and rejoice that a King like Jesus decided to come and fill the earth with a true source of joy.

I challenge you, and myself, this Christmas to not allow your vain and greedy desires to supersede your desire for Christ. Joy, truly indeed, to the world. Let our earth receive him fully and rightly.