If you ask me to sing a Christmas carol, I would most likely spontaneously burst out with "Here's the season to be jolly! Falalalala lala la la" And most likely 100% off key. And most likely only that line. Why, you ask?
Well, because I don't know the rest of the words! But that line just sums up the true feeling of Christmas: Joy!!! Luke 2:10 "Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." The angel described the birth of Jesus, our Savior and King as great joy! GREAT JOY! To ALL people!
But as I look around me, I do not see "joy" on the faces of the people around me. Family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. I see frustration, exhaustion, depression, sadness, bitterness, loneliness and hastiness just to name a few. I hear people complain about preparations for Christmas. About family and guests visiting, invited or not. About the plans THEY have for Christmas. The shopping still need to be done or the packing for those venturing away for the holiday season. All this caused by the worldly, commercialized expectations of Christmas. " To do lists" longer than a six year old "Dear Santa List". And it doesn't stop. I feel saddened by the lack of joy I see. Is this what the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ has come to? Is this truly what our generation think about the "tiding of great joy"? |
All these things I see in the people around me, negative emotions plastered on faces. The direct opposite of joy. To be joyous means to be full of happiness and joy. Joy is the true contentment that comes from internal factors like our faith in the Lord. True joy is everlasting and not dependent upon circumstances or worldly expectations. I have made an active decision. This Christmas, and all the days following, I will take extra care and effort to avoid the any negative feelings trying to creep up on me. I will do my utmost best to live in the JOY of the Lord freely given to all of us. I pray that others see the Joy in me, and know it is God. |
And may that JOY be contagious and spread like the tiding of good news it is intended to be to all the people.
Indeed: "Here's the season to be jolly! Falalalala lala la la."
Have a blessed and Joyous Christmas season.
Love,
Iriza
Indeed: "Here's the season to be jolly! Falalalala lala la la."
Have a blessed and Joyous Christmas season.
Love,
Iriza