FINDING JOY IN CHRISTMAS
Christmas brings out the best in us and sometimes the worst. We may find ourselves vacillating between two extremes.
“But LORD, I’m already busy! I CAN’T handle one more thing!! Cookies to bake, presents to wrap, decorations to put out and a tree to trim. Really?!! How can I find JOY in all of this?”
OR…for those who have many precious memories, we may find ourselves longing for the past.
“LORD, how can I find joy when my loved ones are gone?!! I miss the kids. I miss my family. I miss the snow and hubbub of the season. How can I find JOY when I have so many empty holes in my heart longing to be filled?!”
The other night I couldn’t sleep. I was remembering the Christmases of long ago and found myself mourning the past and moaning over the present. Silly me. So, I threw up a simple prayer.
“LORD Jesus, how do I find JOY when the present seems no match for the sweet memories of the past?”
And as quick as you can say “snickerdoodledelicious” thoughts began pouring into my head. I got up and began to make a list.
Here are a few simple ideas that came to me.
- Pick up a fun Christmas trinket like Christmas socks, a mug or earrings. The very next day, I picked up a pair of Christmas earrings for myself and my girls. I arranged a short visit and surprised them with a little fun for the holidays
- Get up in the mornings and fix coffee in a Christmas mug. Sprinkle it with cinnamon.
- Sit in front of the fireplace and gaze at your Christmas stockings and lights. Reflect on Christmases past and give thanks. Send up prayers for Christmas present. Remember your loved ones and pray for the work God is still doing!!
- Look for opportunities to do random acts of kindness. This can be fun and adventurous! Pray over it and be prepared for what God will do!!
- Fix a special Christmas breakfast. Light the candles and pull out the Christmas dishes.
- Call a relative or an old friend you haven’t seen for a while and wish them a Merry Christmas.
- Grab coffee with a friend.
- Find a fun Christmas puzzle and leave it out for the holidays.
- Make cards, cookies or a wreath while listening to Christmas music.
- Do an advent. Reflect on God’s big story and faithfulness over the ages and
thank Him for being invited into His story!!!
Add YOUR OWN IDEAS!! What are some things YOU can do to bring JOY to your Christmas?
As we reflect on JOY let’s also remember that we can find joy in God’s story. It is there waiting to be found!!
God has made a promise that what is coming is greater than anything we can imagine. That is a reason for joy. God can take the evil and brokenness of this world and work it for good. That is a reason for joy. God has already set the plan into motion. That is a reason for joy. God is faithful and will complete what He starts. That is a reason for joy. Knowing that what God requires of us is simple faith in what He has done. That is a reason for joy. Knowing that we will see loved ones again who have placed their faith in Christ. That is a reason for joy. Knowing that nothing and no one can separate us from God’s love. That is a reason for joy!!!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Genesis 50:20; Luke 2:8-11; Matthew 1:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Philippians 1:6; John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Romans 8:35-39.
And the list goes on.
Grab a cup of coffee and let’s reflect on this wonderful truth together.
“JOY to the world, the LORD is come… “
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!