WHERE'S THE JOY?

Christmas has arrived! “The most wonderful time of the year.” Or at least, that's the song I can't stop thinking about. I have to admit, however, there have been moments when the thought, “It’s the worst time of the year,” threatened my sense of cheer.  

Do you have a lot to do to prepare for the holidays? Does baking, shopping, gift-wrapping, office parties, overeating, and overspending rob you of the pleasure of the holidays? As we pause and consider our emotions, is the Lord's joy present? Or has the enemy crept in unawares?   

If we’re not careful, the extra demands during this time of the year will override the joy of the season. A few years ago, my husband expressed his impatience for the week to conclude, and I responded that I felt the same way about the month. And it was only December 2^nd! My long list of to-dos had already threatened my excitement.  

Meet my cat, Blue, who's looking sad because I was outside and he wasn't with me. Let's not be a "Blue." Let's get going and spread the joy!

The God of Peace and Joy did not design our bodies to live in a pressure cooker and in danger of exploding, making an enormous mess! Finding joy in Christmas wasn't always this hard. The announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds by the angel brought about an atmosphere of magnificent rejoicing.

"And the angel said unto them (the shepherds), Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10).

Meditating on Scripture can help us rediscover the joy of Christmas. I invite you to brew your favorite hot drink, get comfortable, open the Bible, and read Luke 1 and 2.

What jewels await us when we reflect on these verses?

 First, a reminder that God is the hearer of prayer. - Luke 1:11-13

• An elderly couple prayed for a long while for a baby. Both lived a life that pleased God; however, it appeared God was silent in response to their prayers. Zacharias was old, and Elisabeth well stricken in years. Suddenly, an angel brought a divine message, “Zacharias, do not be afraid; your prayer has been heard.” Psalm 65 reminds us that God is a “hearer” of prayers. At times, it may seem God isn't listening, but He always hears our hearts' desires.    

Next, the confidence that God’s timing is always perfect!  – Luke 1:14-18 

• We can feel disheartened if our prayers aren't answered instantly. But be good cheer! God is never “too early, nor too late, and always right on time!” Notice when Zacharias and Elisabeth’s answer was received: during an ordinary day, while doing routine work. Zacharias was in the temple carrying out his priestly duties when the angel appeared. Isn’t it astonishing that the Lord will “show up” when we least expect it?

Finally, the reassurance of God’s divine providence. – Luke 2:1-7

• The Christmas Story reminds us that God is always in control and how He orchestrates life’s events to carry out His divine plan. 

o   God planned for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, yet Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. Was Mary concerned about how she'd reach Bethlehem, or where her baby would be born? Scripture doesn’t elaborate on whether Mary questioned God’s ability or faithfulness to carry out His promise. When the situation appeared hopeless, perhaps Mary placed her trust in Gabriel’s words, “For with God nothing shall be impossible?” In the end, God orchestrated Jesus' birth perfectly; the timing and place were always within His control.

So, when the stress of Christmas feels too heavy, try reflecting on the fact that God governs everything. Truly, our Christmas will be merrier as we recall He is…

o   The Hearer of prayers.

o   Consistently “right-on-time.”

o   Unfailingly “in control!”

Remember, it’s MERRY CHRISTMAS, not MISERABLE CHRISTMAS!

Choose to ENJOY it! Not just ENDURE it!

"Father, thank You for placing the spirit of Your joy inside us. Please help us generously share with others throughout Your Holy Season. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

SPREADING THE JOY

One December, when my husband was in the hospital for sixteen days, I wanted to thank the hospital staff and motel customer service representatives for their help. I used mugs and stuffed them with candy. There are countless ways to spread the joy of the Lord. Let us know how you creatively share God's joy. (The picture below is the thank you I gave out that year.)