Joy to the World!
This traditional Christmas hymn is actually a declaration of joy to the entire world!
If you’re stressed from shopping, baking, cleaning, etc., you’re missing the joy of the holiday season. Many times, we spend too much time running from point A to point B, etc., that we miss savoring the special moments of Christmas and other special holidays with family and friends.
“May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
God doesn’t want any of us to be lonely, worried, stressed, exhausted, or broke. Could it be our focus is wrong? Are we spending our valued time fighting heavy crowds to get a bargain gift? Shouldn’t we be spending more time with God and family? Our focus should be on our Heavenly Father! Christmas is such a special time to celebrate Jesus with a heart of thankfulness. As we reflect back over the year, there is so much to be thankful for.
Are we missing out on the real meaning of Christmas? What is the real meaning? It’s Love. God is Love. Spreading joy and love to others is actually evangelizing. The lost world desires to be happy. They try to create joy by buying gifts, taking trips, going to parties, etc. Those things aren’t bad, but they can’t take the place of God’s love and joy. He can and will fill us to overflowing if we will spend time with Him. When you are filled with God’s love, you are truly happy!
“Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” (Isaiah 12:6)
I encourage you to slow down and enjoy each day of this season. Spend less time worrying and stressing and more time being together as a family. Take time to love and do for one another. Friends, we were created to give. That’s part of the make-up God instilled in each of us. When we give, we’re happy. The giver is always happier than the receiver.
“For God so loved the world that he gave…” God is a giver. We should be also.
Time is the best gift you can give to those you love.
Children would rather have that special “time” with their parents rather than an expensive gift. God created families to be together to experience love, joy, and peace. He desires for us to be happy and full of joy!
“Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.”
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
The best gifts we can give can’t be wrapped. Today I encourage you to love those around you. Be the friend that others need!
Remember this season, Jesus is the answer! Jesus is your answer!
