Joy is Not Just for the Strong

Have you ever been part of a community where you were just barely a part of it? You were invited to the events, you received the memos, but you were still held at arm’s length? There were “side” dinners, events, or get-togethers that you weren’t told about—text messages, a chat group, inside jokes.

It can be perplexing and hurtful to come into contact with what we called “cliques” in my day, especially when people pretended to include you, but didn’t want to really let you in. To not feel quite “cool” enough.

Sometimes people do it without realizing. Sometimes they do it because they like their comfort zone. Occasionally, they’re just plain mean. But no matter the reason, it can always hurt.

When I think back to the times in my life I’ve felt that hurt, two thoughts come to mind. One is a question. How many times have I done the same to others without realizing or without questioning my motivation? The other is almost more of a feeling of great relief.

I’m so thankful Jesus never does that to me. He never does that to anyone. No one is not cool enough to be “in” with Jesus. No one isn’t “in the know.”

Enough of the double negatives. Jesus accepts us and loves us as we are. No prerequisite knowledge required. No checklists. We don’t have to wear the right brand or have the right hobbies.

Jesus has Always Been the Same

This isn’t a new phenomenon with Jesus. He’s always included the entire world in his invitation to a new life.

Let’s look at Christmas two millennia ago. Jesus comes as a baby to earth. He doesn’t arrive in the grandeur due to his status as the King of the World. There are no trumpets, and there are no heralds of the king. Instead, Luke 2:8-10 tells us,

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

And then the angel tells the shepherds, the stinky, dirty men who’d been working in the fields, to tell the world that the Savior has arrived.

The joy and fellowship of Jesus are not just for those who fit a specific mold. They’re not for those who “get it” or appear strong. The invitation Christ gives is for any and all who believe (Mark 16:16).

Take Heart

So if you, like me, have ever felt like an outsider, please take heart this Christmas season. Jesus came to bring the joy of Christmas to you. Salvation is for you. The life of surrender and communion with Christ was created for you. Open your heart today and ask Jesus to show himself and his love to you. He’s there waiting.

And when he does, something beautiful happens. The sting of exclusion doesn’t disappear overnight, but it loses its power. You begin to realize that the most meaningful acceptance in your life comes from the One who sees you fully and still delights in you. The One who knows every moment you’ve been overlooked, every room you felt on the outside of, and every ache that followed you home.

He steps into those places with kindness. He reminds you that you belong to him before you ever belong anywhere else. And slowly, the hurt that once made you shrink back becomes a reminder of how deeply he welcomes you.

This is the quiet miracle of Christmas. Not just that Jesus came, but that he came for you. For the ordinary, the overlooked, the tired, the insecure, the ones who aren’t sure where they fit. He calls you His own and places you right at the center of His story.

So, as you move through this season, carry that truth with you. You are not on the fringes of God’s family. You are fully seen, fully known, and fully invited in. The joy of Christmas is not for the strong or the special. It is for you, right where you are, just as you are.