Christmas can be a stressful time with all the extra things that get piled into our already busy schedules. Rather than begin a joyful time, Christmas can become a time of discouragement and of tensions between people. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you want to find a little more joy in your Christmas this season, read on.
The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always; which is a command. Therefore joy is not just a feeling that you have no control over, it is something that God commands you to be filled with. The next two verses are helpful in finding that joy that we all desire in our lives and families. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. So prayer and giving thanks are key ingredients in discovering joy this Christmas.
Think back to that first Christmas night. There were shepherds watching their flocks of sheep when angels appeared and announced the birth of Jesus. The shepherds could have done nothing, but they chose to go see the new-born King. They worshipped Him and left giving thanks and praising God. They were filled with joy. The shepherds had their focus on Jesus and the result was joy.
What are you focusing on this Christmas? The answer to that question will determine whether your Christmas is filled with joy. If you are focused solely on shopping, presents, difficulties and finances, you won’t find much joy. Choose to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ, into the world. Pray and give thanks all through the season and you will be choosing joy. When you feel like complaining or criticizing, find something to be thankful about. Be grateful to God and others, caring more about them than yourself. Refuse to get down in the dumps, obey God’s word to be joyful always and you will find joy at Christmas time for you and your family.
amen, amen, amen