The carol shouts “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” In another the musicians are instructed to “play the oboe and bagpipes merrily.” In the little town of Bethlehem “we hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell.” The songs of Christmas are filled with “Hark!” and “Gloria!” and “Hallelujah!”

The angels tell the shepherds to be not afraid because they are bringing “good news of great joy.”

The Advent/Christmas season is one filled to overflowing with Joy. No wonder the secular world embraces our religious holiday so enthusiastically.

It isn’t just about money as we often so cynically claim; it’s about joy.

So why are so many Christians so angry? Why have so many of us who claim Christ as Lord chosen anger, bitterness, and resentment as our go-to posture for this season of …