Gen FX — Make a Joyful Noise This Christmas

A special Gen FX reflection on today’s EFKS message.

Weekly EFKS Theme:
Emmanuel — God With Us

📖 Bible Reading: Psalm 98:1–9
(EFKS Tusi Faitau Aso)

Dear Gen FX,

Christmas is often filled with sound — music, laughter, voices, celebration. Today’s reading reminds us that joy itself is a response. When God moves, joy follows.

Psalm 98 calls us to make a joyful noise. Not a perfect one. Just a joyful one.

The Reading, Explained

Psalm 98 is a song of praise. It looks back at what God has done and responds with joy. The psalmist invites everyone — not just singers or musicians — to join in. People, nature, and creation itself are called to rejoice.

This joy is rooted in God’s faithfulness. God has acted. God has saved. God has kept His promises.

That is why the response is loud, open, and shared.

What This Theme Is Pointing To

At Christmas, we remember that God did not stay distant. Emmanuel means God chose to come near. The birth of Jesus is God stepping into the world, into human life, and into our story.

A joyful noise is not about performance. It is about response.

Joy flows when we recognise that God is with us — not just in moments of happiness, but in real life, with all its mess and uncertainty.

Where This Meets Real Life

For many of us, Christmas can be mixed. There may be joy, but also tiredness, loss, or pressure. Psalm 98 reminds us that joy does not require everything to be perfect.

Joy can sound like gratitude.
It can look like presence.
It can be felt in quiet moments or shared laughter.

Making a joyful noise means choosing to respond to God’s goodness, even when life feels full or complicated.

One Thing to Hold Onto

Joy is not about having the perfect Christmas — it is about recognising that God is with us.

Closing Prayer

God, thank You for the gift of Jesus.
Teach us to respond with joy, gratitude, and praise this Christmas.
Amen.

Signing off,
Alofa Tunoa