The Joy of Christmas (yours year-round, even when circumstances are anything but joyful)
It’s not about us. Not really.
We like to think it is. We like to think being happy and content is about us and how things are playing out in our lives.
We often believe if only things would align the way we’d like, we would be satisfied.
If-Only Lies
If only our neighbor would quit …
If only our spouse would be …
If only our children wouldn’t do …
If only our health were …
If only …
We will spend a lifetime waiting for all the “if only’s” to align.
We often believe if only things would align the way we'd like, we would be satisfied. But we will spend a lifetime waiting for all the 'if only's' to align. True joy and contentment is found only in the Lord. Share on X
Looking to someone or something else to make us happy masks it’s real source.
That source doesn’t lie in our health or another human being or our surroundings.
The source of true happiness (not the fleeting kind but deep down joy) is only found in the Author of life: the Lord God Himself.
The source of true happiness (deep down joy) is only found in the Author of life: the Lord God Himself. Share on X
Joy of Christmas
We celebrate the birth of the Savior because His birth ushered in hope for the hopeless. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ because His resurrection from the dead ushered in life for the lifeless.
We were hopeless. We were lifeless. Dead in our sins.
But because of the gift of Jesus, we have hope, we have joy and we have peace!
We were hopeless, lifeless, dead in our sins. But because of the gift of Jesus, we have hope, joy and peace! Share on X
So, I’m trying to quit with the “if only’s.” I hope you do too.
Because true happiness is already ours: no matter what our lives look like; no matter what our neighbors, spouses or children do our don’t do; no matter how we feel.
It’s really the joy of Christmas we’re searching for. And it’s the joy of Christmas we receive. All year.
Because God came down and hand delivered that joy in the form of a Babe.
The joy of Christmas is ours year-round because God came down and hand delivered it in the form of a Babe. Share on X
And nothing will change that. Ever!
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
Reflections: What’s one way you can remind yourself of the joy of Christmas that is yours year-round?
More than 4 years of counting and I’ve surpassed 4,500 gifts in Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare! What a blessing! Here are numbers #4,600–4,620. Read my entire list by clicking here.
- A lovely, unexpected day filled with blessings; Running into several young people I hadn’t seen in quite a while; Treating my two big boys to lunch
- Most of the presents wrapped; Spending some time laying around with Zach and exploring his future; Coming home to the smell of Italian dressing-dipped oven-fried chicken
- Christmas food made; Decorating nearly complete: love to set out my nativity hurricane candle set from DaySpring; A walk with Danny and haircut for Zach
- Snow!; Laughter and shared memories of long ago Christmases; Home worship due to the snow, ending with Silent Night by candlelight
- A day celebrating the greatest gift: the Savior; Beauty of the snow against dark tree trunks; Time sharing and laughing with Hubby’s sisters and their families
- Stopping to watch the “Star Wars” movie on our way home; Good roads; Home and unpacked
- Wonderful worship service: a continuation of the celebration of the Savior’s birth; Rare Sunday dinner eating out with the whole family; Sitting in the quiet surrounded by candlelight
By His Grace,
Julie
1 Comments
Leave a Comment
Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
Search the Blog
Categories
Maintain Godly Focus!
Are you struggling to maintain godly focus in the mess of each day's living? Do you too easily find yourself worrying about circumstances instead of trusting in God's promises? If you answered yes, why not download my ebook. It's filled with 25 power verses with space for personal reflection to help you maintain godly focus, no matter what situations arise.
(Privacy policy: Don't worry, your information is safe you can unsubscribe at any time.)
New Book, Just Released!
I needed to read this. I have had some “if-only” thoughts this past week. My main one has been about the hurting in my ankle and lower leg. Awaiting word about in-home therapy, when it will start and on what days I will have it.