Giving the joy of Christmas

Oh the Christmas season. The time of year where so many people go crazy trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone or the kids or for all who are on your list. Is it sad that I am no longer surprised at the behavior of some as I walk through the stores or drive through the parking lots? I think so. There seems to be no real joy on the faces of the people. Yea, we get excited thinking about the look on every persons face on Christmas morning but is that truly what brings joy?  A Joy that lasts all year long, that the joy I long for. A joy that over shadows all the hurt, doubt and worries of the year. A joy that only comes from true freedom. Freedom that you receive when you give up your broken heart, your shame and your unforgiveness. That is the joy I want, not just for myself but for all of those I love. That is the joy that I wish to show to those around me.

   Psalms 95:1-3 says"1O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. 2Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3For the Lord is a great God And a great King above all gods" Why , with all the trouble King David got himself into could he still have joy in his heart? Because he willingly and lovingly served the Lord. He knew that without God on his side he would fail more miserably than he already had. He knew that God had forgiven him and still loved him despite the fact that he did so many ungodly things. David was a man after God heart and when you chase after the heart of God, you find pure joy. But how do we find that in today's world?

   It is as simple as reading the word and discovering what God says. There is where we see the heart of God. There is where we learn how He feels about His children ( you and I). There is where we see what He has sacrificed for this world. Which brings me back around to Christmas.

      Why do we celebrate and why should it be such a joyful thing? Think about it. What did God do?  According to John 3:16," God so loved the world that He sent His ONLY son" . God thought enough of us to send His son to this world as a baby. To be born to a young girl, in a place used to keep horses, camels and other animals . The little baby's future was unknown to the people of the time but God knew. I am sure as a parent it hurt to think of what His son would have to do for this world so that we can come to know Him in a new way. With out that sacrifice though, we would not have salvation. We would not know redemption. We would not know freedom. We would not know hope. And we would not know true Joy. With out  these, we will have a more miserable world than we do now. 

     So how can we bring the joy back? By showing others how to achieve that joy. By introducing them to the Lord and Savior we have come to know and love. Many will not accept, many will be hesitant but there will still be many who will willing see. Your life and your face is God's greatest witness. If you have the joy of the Lord in your heart, your face and your life should show it.  Show the joy when you are in the midst of struggle and strife. 

   So give the gift of Christ this year and you will give them the gift of Joy.