But the Angel
said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will
be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to
you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
People everywhere look forward to the Christmas holiday
season to…
·
Celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ…
·
Decorate the Christmas tree and admire all
the brilliant lights that twinkle and shine …
·
Attend festive parties and gatherings with
family and friends…
·
Sip hot chocolate and bake Christmas candies
and cookies…
·
Take part in or be a recipient of Christmas
carolers…
·
Watch a child’s excitement as they wait in
anticipation for Santa Claus to arrive…
Sadly, many people also have a hard time finding joy
during the Christmas holiday. If there has ever been a time and need for people
to hear about the hope of the world (Jesus Christ), and what true Christmas joy
is, now is the time. There are so many folks who have heavy hearts because they
have lost a loved one, are in financial distress, are facing a life threatening
illness, or they are simply lost souls who are unhappy and disheartened. The
festival of Christmas should be celebrated all over the world because of the
birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who brought us hope and joy. There are so many
ways for us to scatter joy and bless others this holiday season with…
·
Words of encouragement and spending quality
time with those in need
·
Acts of service-volunteering in your
community donating toys, gifts, food
·
Giving a creative gift from your heart
·
The divine gift of forgiveness to those who
have hurt or betrayed us
·
Letting our light shine as we share the good
news to encourage and build others up
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light
shine in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
What
brings you Christmas joy?
Christmas is all about renewing bonds of love, joy, and
compassion; it is a time to spread smiles and be merry. It is the time of year
to see the world through eyes of love just as Jesus did. Christmas joy can be
contagious even in times of distress when we share the wondrous gift and the Good
News that God sent to us through His Son. It’s all about sharing and forgetting
our sorrows and doing something good for others. It’s the perfect time to
express our love to our family and friends and everyone we come into contact
with. Jesus was born as an example of how to be happy in this world by sharing
His love…scattering joy from deep within to everyone we meet is spreading Good
News!
After listening
to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen
when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the
child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother and they fell
down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts,
gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:9-11)
Linking up this week with:
Hi Denise....love this...and no fears in Him...love that too. Have a beautiful Sonday....
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely lady; blessings to you this week!
DeleteI like to focus on the good memories but I have to admit that all of my Christmas memories aren't necessarily good. But God is good ...
ReplyDeleteSo saddened by this tragedy in Newtown. Little children are near and dear to my heart and I cannot fathom anyone hurting them.
The tragedy in CT has surely saddened my spirit too Debbie; can't quit crying! I thought of you dear friend knowing your deep compassion for children. Blessings to you Debbie!
DeleteThank you Denise!
ReplyDeleteBlessings Jedidja!
DeleteDenise, I enjoyed this post. The beauty of the season is in the deep joy of having our Savior live and give His life for us. Like, Debbie, all of my Christmas seasons have not been full of joy, but as I grow in Christ, I realize that many of those seasons were not focused on Christ. Now, everyday is Christmas, as I find joy in my Lord. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteLove that Cynthia "everyday is Christmas"; this is so true when we reflect on His gift of mercy , love, and grace!
DeleteSweet blessings my friend,
Denise
Thank you, Denise. This reminds me of the Scripture that says that in His presence there is fullness of joy! Christmas time is such a good time to be reminded of that!
ReplyDeleteMuch love XX
Mia
Love and Christmas blessings to you too Mia!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Sis people need to see the true meaning of this Christmas it's about placing your hope in Christ Jesus. And though some will find it hard to have joy I believe God has His angels already around people to show them the Joy of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteGreat post as always sis.
Thankful for the fullness of joy all year around Desi! Joyful blessings to you this Christmas! :)
Delete"Christmas is all about renewing bonds of love, joy, and compassion." ~ Agreed! Makes me think of the UNITY offered by baby Jesus & how the enemy is working overtime to steal the joy, & peace, & oneness Christ offered. Thanks for linking up today at UNITE! Be blessed abundant! ~ Jen
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you too Jenn; Merry Christmas!
DeleteHallelujah! Thank you Denise for sharing. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteBlessings sweet lady! Merry Christmas!
DeleteSo true Denise! For the Believer, the true meaning of Christmas is all about giving of ourselves, spreading joy and showing Christ's love. That is the Christmas spirit. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this time of year. It spills over into the new year and inspires you to live each and every day of your life doing those things. Thanks for the reminder! Have a blessed week! ;)
ReplyDeleteYes it does Mitchell; we have a hope filled season filled with promises for a new year! Blessings and love this Christmas!
DeleteAmen, Denise. If ever there was a time people need to find joy It's now. I love your suggestions of how to find that joy. The best way is by doing something for others less fortunate. I know I need to do more of that. Blessings and joy to you this Christmas week.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a feeling of peace and joy when we share and give to others; there is never a better time than right now! :) Merry Christmas Peggy!
DeleteHi Denise,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post today. What a wonderful time of year to share the love of Christ with the world. Of all the holidays through out the year, Christmas is the one I remember the most. What a blessing it is that Jesus came into the world. I pray you and your family has a Merry and blessed Christmas.
Ken