Hello Friends,

I’ve been wanting to hop on here to share a Christmas post with all of you, but it took me a little while to decide what I was going to share! Today’s post is the result of some things I’ve been meditating on the past few days, and I hope and pray that it will be a blessing to you!

3 Things to Remember This Christmas

When Christmas rolls around each year many of us fall prey to the idea that “Christmas is [always] the most wonderful time of the year” or that it’s “a wonderful life.”

While Christmas is definitely a wonderful time of the year… it’s not always perfect. For some, Christmas comes with very little happiness at all.

Christmas is just around the corner (next week, actually!) but instead of feeling “merry and bright” your days may still be filled with one or more of the following:

• Fears and unknowns
• Family tension
• A trial or deep valley
• Financial struggles
• The loss of a loved one
• A heavy burden
• Circumstances that are less than “happy”

In spite of Christmas… life is still going on. You may find yourself in a difficult or uncertain place.

Christmastime is not always a perfect time of the year.

Regardless of your circumstances this year, I want to encourage to remember three truths from the Christmas story this year. No matter where you find yourself this Christmas and no matter what trials you may be facing… here are three things to remember this Christmas.

Joy to the World…

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

When Christ came to this earth, He brought with Him the promise of great joy for the whole world. The promised Messiah had finally come!

True joy is much different than happiness. Our circumstances may not always bring happiness to our lives, but we can still choose joy when life is hard. Joy is a choice. We never know when circumstances will change and fill our lives with happiness, but we can choose to be joyful in the Lord in spite of the things that come our way.

If your Christmas season is lacking joy this year, remember that Christ came and brought joy to the whole world… which includes YOU.

Not feeling the joy?

• Meditate on Scripture. Here are some key verses on true joy: Nehemiah 8:10, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16

• Make a list of your blessings. There is something so refreshing about writing down (and focusing on) the blessings the Lord has given us. Staying focused on the blessings of the Lord will fill you with a unique sense of joy and gratitude for what the Lord has done!

• Remember that Joy is a CHOICE. When circumstances threaten your joy… ask the Lord to fill you with HIS joy instead. Remember that joy is a choice. Jesus Christ came to earth bring joy to the whole world. Choose to revel in that joy this season!

Peace on Earth…

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

Not only did Christ come to the world with joy but He also came to bring peace to whole earth. With the hustle, bustle, and busyness of Christmas (not to mention all the normal life activities) this may not feel like a peaceful time of year for you.

Maybe you’re going through a trial that has taken away your peace.

Maybe there are doubts and fears on your heart and mind.

Or maybe, you just feel way too busy to experience any kind of peace this Christmas.

Whatever is robbing you of your peace, remember that nothing can steal the perfect peace that Christ has to offer you!

Struggling to hold onto peace?

• Get alone in a quiet place. Spend time with the Lord, meditating on the Word and talking to the Lord in prayer.

• Surrender your worries and fears to Him. We all carry burdens that threaten to steal our peace. Be ready and willing to give those burden over to the Lord in exchange for His perfect peace.

• Listen to some calming music. I recently discovered the calming effect of harp music. There are lots of tracks online playing free and calming harp music. When you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and anything but peaceful, feel free to turn on some calming music.

Good Will Toward Men…

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

Of all these little reminders, this one may be the hardest of all. Each of our lives are filled with people… loved ones and those who can be hard to love. All the extra time with family is a blessing, but what if it brings uncomfortable moments or tension?

There’s not just family to consider. What about the strangers around you who have never heard of God’s love for them? Many, many people go through the Christmas season not knowing about the Christ who came for them. It’s easy to get caught up in all the Christmas festivities that we forget about the lost and lonely souls around us!

We should show good will towards men all year round, but sometimes is especially needed (and appreciated!) at Christmastime.

Want to Show Good Will Towards Others?

• Extend grace to the difficult people in your life. Whether it’s a family member, church member, or someone who just plain rubs you the wrong way, remember to extend some grace. We have no idea what someone may be going through. Offer some grace, give a warm and welcoming smile, and always be ready and willing to forgive when someone hurts or offends you.

• Share the Good News with Someone. Most people are a lot more open to the Gospel this time of year. Grab a handful of Christmas tracts and give one to your neighbor, the cashier at the store, or a family member who needs to know the Truth.

• Reach Out and Pray for Someone. Do you know of someone who’s struggling this Christmas? Reach out to them and ask how you can pray for them specifically. Then most importantly, spend some time actually praying for them!

Final Thoughts

Just three simple things to remember…

Joy to the World. Peace on Earth. Good Will Toward Men.

If you are lacking joy, remember that Christ came to bring joy to the whole world, including YOU! You can revel in the joy of the Lord this season even if your circumstances are less than happy.

If you are lacking peace, remember that Christ also came bearing peace. When we trust in the Lord for salvation it brings peace and joy to our hearts. Even when our lives are filled with things that threaten to steal our peace, we can rest in the perfect peace of Christ.

If you are lacking goodwill, remember to take a moment (or two) this Christmas season to look at the lost and lonely people around you. Take advantage of the Christmas season to share the Gospel with someone who has never heard. When holiday festivities brings you in contact with all kinds of people, be ready and willing to extend love, grace and forgiveness to family and friends.

Regardless of the things taking place in your life this year, I hope you will choose to revel in the joy, peace, and good will of the Christmas season!

Love and Prayers,