By JQuisumbing
How do we find joy at Christmas when life feels heavy or lonely?
The Christmas season is upon us again. The malls are decked out with winter themed decoration and the shoppers are out in full force. Now, you would think that this holiday would be the happiest time of the year, but stress easily creeps in and emotions flares. The world’s solution is that these people probably lack the Christmas spirit. Of course, to them…
The Christmas spirit is a feeling of joy, generosity, and kindness associated with the holiday season, expressed through festive traditions and a willingness to help others. It involves a mood of goodwill and cheer, often characterized by acts of love, sharing, and forgiveness, and can also be seen as embodying the charitable spirit of figures like St. Nicholas or the religious message of giving and sacrifice in Christianity. [google.com/search/christmas+spirit]
Of course, we who believe and follow Jesus Christ know that true JOY, a joy that is beyond comprehension, cannot be had through holiday participation in gift-giving, decorating, listening to carol music and being generous toward others. Those things are good to do, however the acquiring of true life-building joy does not come from HOW, but from WHO!
Listen to the angel that appeared to the shepherds of Bethlehem some 2000 years ago.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 ESV)
Jesus is the source of Truth, Life and Joy. So, if you are stressed, critical, or even sad, then refocus yourself to Him.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1,2 ESV)
Johann Quisumbing 