We Need Christmas With Matthew West Sample

2. We Need Joy

Rob and his wife have brought their seven kids to see many of my concerts over the years. Several years ago, Rob was diagnosed with brain cancer and began the fight of his life. I would often receive updates on Rob’s health, and my family joined many praying for healing. A few weeks ago, Rob was transferred into hospice care. He asked his brother, “Do you think Matthew would sing at my funeral?” Trying to keep Rob’s spirits up, his brother responded, “Shut up! We’re not talking about that!” The week before Thanksgiving, I got the call that Rob had gone home to be with Jesus. I headed to a tiny town in Minnesota on a Wednesday night for a celebration of Rob’s life. 

I was given a list of my songs that Rob loved most, took the stage in front of a packed church, and sang one after another. Midway through, we stopped the music and gave Rob’s friends and family a chance to share a favorite memory of their time with him. The night was filled with tears, worship, and applause. Then Rob’s 13-year-old son Noah walked on stage, pulled a wrinkled piece of paper out of his pocket, and began to read. “My dad was always very funny, so I’m going to tell some jokes. He then delivered some of the funniest “dad jokes” I’ve ever heard! There in the middle of a tear-filled audience, the entire crowd broke out in unlikely laughter as a young boy paid tribute to his dad in his special way. 

Of all the emotions I expected to feel at the memorial service, joy was the least expected. But thanks to Noah, our heavy hearts were surprised by joy. I wonder if that’s why the angel who announced Jesus’ birth said the “good news” would bring “great joy.” Not “ordinary joy.” Not “good” joy. Not “above average” joy. Jesus brings “great joy!” In another passage of scripture, Peter talks about how we can experience “inexpressible and glorious joy” even in our suffering. 

I pray that you, too, may be surprised by joy this Christmas. You may be suffering, hurting, brokenhearted, or battle weary. But the “good news” of Jesus still offers you great and inexpressible joy.