Fighting for joy was the heartbeat of our Christmas Day service at Rhema South Coast Family Church — and honestly, the morning felt like a beautiful reminder that Jesus is still drawing people to Himself. The church was full to the overflow, so full that we even had to seat people outside. Praise the Lord for every heart that showed up hungry, hopeful, and ready to worship.
From the first song, our worship team carried the joy of Jesus’ birth with such passion and purity. My favourite moment was Little Drummer Boy — those drums and that beat did more than sound good… it felt like the Holy Spirit rode in on the rhythm and filled the atmosphere with a holy celebration. Then Ps Mandy’s fervent prayer set the tone and softened hearts, making way for Ps Larry’s message to land with clarity and power.
Christmas joy is a gift — but I still need to guard it
Ps Larry reminded us that the angel didn’t announce stress, fear, or heaviness. Heaven announced joy — and not a small kind either.
Luke 2:10 (NKJV) “Do not be afraid… I bring you good tidings of great joy… For there is born to you this day… a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”
That’s the true reason for the season: Jesus came. And because He came, joy is available to all — but I must receive it by faith and protect it on purpose.
He made it plain: happiness depends on happenings, but joy runs deeper. Joy flows from the spirit, and when my joy is full, it starts to affect my mind, my will, and my emotions.
John 15:11 (TPT) “My purpose for telling you these things is so that the joy that I experience will fill your hearts with overflowing gladness!”
Overflowing gladness. Not just “getting by”. Not just “I’ll be okay”. Full. Complete. Steady.
The battle is real: the enemy targets joy
One of the most sobering parts of the message was this: sometimes the enemy doesn’t need to destroy everything in my life — if he can steal my joy, he can steal my strength.
That’s why I can’t treat joy like a personality trait. Joy is a spiritual force, and I choose to fight for it.
Three joy thieves that drain the heart
1) Circumstances: when life gets loud
Life is unpredictable. If I fixate on what’s happening around me, worry and anxiety creep in — and joy starts leaking out.
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
I loved the simple line Ps Larry shared: “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” When I bring the pressure to God with thanksgiving, I’m placing it at His feet — and my joy doesn’t have to collapse under the weight.
2) Sin: when guilt and shame smother joy
Sin isn’t trendy to talk about, but it’s too costly to ignore. Ps Larry reminded us that sin opens doors, creates distance in my relationship with God, and drags guilt and shame into my heart — and that combination will rob joy quickly.
Psalm 51:12 (NKJV) “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”
God doesn’t call me to shame; He calls me to return. Joy gets restored when I come back to Jesus with honesty and repentance.
3) Comparison: when I measure my life against others
Comparison is a quiet thief — especially in a world of social media, images, and highlight reels. It can make me proud, or it can make me feel like I don’t measure up. Either way, it pulls my eyes off what God is doing in my life.
Galatians 6:4 (NKJV) “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
When I stop staring at what I don’t have and start thanking God for what I do have, joy returns — and so does perspective.
Three joy protectors that fill me up again
1) Contentment through gratitude
Gratitude shifts my focus from lack to blessing. It trains my heart to see God’s goodness in the everyday — and joy rises.
A practical step from the message: write down two or three things I’m grateful for each day this week, then thank God for them in prayer. Simple — but powerful.
2) A repentant heart
Repentance isn’t punishment; it’s mercy. Godly sorrow brings me back into alignment, back into relationship, and back into joy.
3) Community and support
I’m not meant to fight alone. Discipleship is doing life together — encouragement, accountability, prayer, and real love.
1 Peter 5:6–7 (NKJV) “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God… casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
When I share the load with God and stay connected to His people, my joy becomes protected — and my faith becomes stronger.
Take the next step: fight for joy this week
As we step out of Christmas Day and into the week ahead, don’t let this message stay in the building. Fighting for joy is something I practise on purpose — daily, practically, and with Jesus at the centre. Here are a few simple tools you can use right now:
- Name the thief. Ask yourself: What’s been draining my joy lately — circumstances, sin, or comparison? Bringing it into the light is often the first breakthrough.
- Pray before you spiral. When anxiety rises, pause and do Philippians 4:6 in real time: pray, give thanks, and hand the situation to God.
- Choose one gratitude habit. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day this week. Gratitude lifts your focus and strengthens your spirit.
- Make it right quickly. If the Holy Spirit is nudging you about something, don’t delay. Repentance isn’t shame — it’s freedom, and joy returns where surrender happens.
- Don’t do this alone. Reach out, ask for prayer, and stay connected to the church family. Joy grows in community.
- If you’re ready to give your life to Jesus, take that step today and pray here.
And remember — Sunday, 28 December 2025, we’re honoured to welcome Ps Charné Pretorius from 3C to bring the Word. Learn more about 3C here.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming near. For every person reading this who feels tired, anxious, guilty, or overwhelmed — breathe fresh life into them.
Restore joy where it has been stolen. Heal wounded hearts. Break the weight of shame and replace it with peace. Teach us to fight for joy by praying, repenting, giving thanks, and staying connected to Your people. Let our lives shine with the hope of Christ this week.
In Jesus’ Name, amen.
