00:00So we've been asking people what brings them joy at Christmastime, and a lot of answers to do with family and relationships and all of the festivities of Christmas.
00:11And of course, Christmas is all about joy. And if you look at the Gospels, the story of Jesus, who comes amongst us at Christmastime, is bookended by joy.
00:21The joy of the angels, the joy of the shepherds, the joy of the wise men at his birth, and then at the end, the joy of the disciples coming back to Jerusalem after he has risen and ascended.
00:33But sometimes it's quite difficult to be joyful, and for various reasons we may not feel like being joy.
00:41But Jesus himself said that you will have trials and tribulations in this world, but nevertheless rejoice, because I have overcome the world.
00:50And the good news of the joy of Jesus is that here we have somebody who is for us, who loves us, who is on our side, and who is relentless in his seeking us out.
01:02To be joyful from this point of view is to be aware of an experience and a matchless goodness that is able to transform even our darkest moments.
01:12So I hope that you will know the joy of this Christ child this Christmas.
01:16And knowing that joy will enhance our joy, because the surveys all show that we have our joy enhanced by gratitude, thanksgiving, generosity, where we reflect the generosity of God,
01:28and hopefulness, because here we have a hope with God that we otherwise would not have.
01:34A joyful Christmas to you and your families.
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