This season provides an excellent opportunity for us to address a common problem for joy-seeking people: how do we deal with those who would rob us of our joy? So, these suggestions are offered from one who strives to be more joyful, longs to help bring joy to people, and wants to hold on to the joy that is found only in Jesus Christ.

First, commit to memory these words. Recite them. Sing them often. Listen to them regularly — even when it's not December.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
(Isaac Watts)

Second, whether you are singing them, reading them, or listening to them, remember there is a reason for the joy: the Lord is come! The Lord came to be "with us." He came in the flesh.

Third, open your heart to the King. Let every heart prepare Him room. Open your heart to prepare room for the King. Let Him in. Welcome Him into your heart daily.

Fourth, sing. Let heaven and nature sing. Sing. Sing. Sing. Sing joy to the world. Sing the Lord is come. Sing let earth receive her King.

Fifth, if all else fails, sometimes the best thing you can do to protect your joy is to avoid some people. Do not be unkind. Be respectful. But, sometimes you just don't need to be around certain people. Stay away from them.

Let there be joy in your world. This is one verse of one song that could help you maintain your joy. There are many other songs and many other passages of Scripture that can bring us joy and when we meditate on them, have the power to protect us and enable us to bring joy to the world.

Let there be joy in the world.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5 TNIV).