“Joy to the world” is a very familiar phrase often expressed during the holiday season. It is also the title of a beloved Christmas hymn celebrating the birth of our Savior. As we enter the season, we should be singing the familiar hymn, but instead, many of us will feel too anxious. Our anxiety may stem from a variety of concerns, such as the rising costs of Christmas trees, gifts, decorations and even food.
“Joy to the World” was written by Isaac Watts, an English poet who based the song on the Psalmist writings: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises; Sing praises to the Lord with lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King the Lord!”
Despite the many reminders to be joyful during the season of love and giving, intense, excessive, and persistent worry about the goals we want to accomplish can cause anxiety. The very notion of shopping and buying gifts can trigger this anxiety. You might worry about the cost of each gift or where to shop to find the best gift at the best price.
So, the causes of anxiety can be a litany of things, including stressful work, education, or community environments. A person’s history of significant life changes, trauma or negative experiences can also be sources of anxiety. Some people attribute their increase in anxiety during the holidays to factors like social media, poor sleep habits and low stamina.
Anxiousness can be a common fear about everyday situations. This is especially understandable in today’s environment, as many people have experienced the fear of lockdowns and other restrictions imposed by the coronavirus and its impact on their lives.
We can find solace in the words of the apostles. Quoting the Lord, the Apostle Matthew said, “do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.” Writing to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul said, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
So today sing the song “Joy to the World,” and Be Blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
