The Joy of Christmas

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. I love the lights and sounds of the season. I love the time for gathering with family and friends in this festive time. It is one of the most joyful times of the year.

However, for some, it may not be quite so joyful. There are those who are hurting in a multitude of various ways. Some hurt from loneliness. Perhaps they remember Christmases from the past, in which they were surrounded by a multitude of family members and friends, but now, due to death, or distance, or other reasons, they are separated from those they love.For them, Christmas is only a painful reminder of the past.

Others hurt from anger. Perhaps there has been a time in the past in which they were close to a few others, and due to some misunderstanding, or some hurtful word or deed, they parted ways, not speaking to each other, or seeing other, since. The Christmas season, for them, dregs up the pain and hurt of unresolved issues, and unforgiven wrongs.

Still others may hurt because of present financial pressures, which will not allow them to be as generous as they have been in previous Christmases. Perhaps they fear they will be thought less of since they cannot afford to give the elaborate and expensive gifts which they have been known to give in previous years.

This could go on and on, thinking about reasons why some are less than joyful during the Christmas season. But, may I share a word of instruction, and a word of encouragement? First, the word of instruction. If we fail to experience joy in the Christmas season, perhaps it is because we have made the season all about self, rather than all about Christ. You see, the joy of Christmas does not come by being with just the right people, or by giving or receiving just the right gift. It is not even a matter of remembering Christmases of the past when we were surrounded by family and friends who have now gone on from this life. Rather, Christmas is about Jesus Christ. If I have a relationship with Him through His unbelievable gift of Himself, then I can have a fulness of joy, regardless of my present situation.

Now, a word of encouragement. This year, let's make a commitment that we will not make Christmas about us, but about Jesus Christ, and how we might make Him known to others through our celebration of His birth. Think of a creative way you might display His tremendous love to someone who is less fortunate than you. Volunteer some time at a local Pregnancy Care Center, or a soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter. Take a name off the Angel Tree, and purchase a few small, inexpensive gifts for someone who would get nothing otherwise. Attend special worship events at local churches. Attend local Christmas activities. The list is endless of the possibilities that are available for celebrations of the season.

And, most important of all, keep Christ as the focal point of everything you do.

I wish for each of you a most meaningful and memorable Christmas. Happy Birthday, Jesus!