Finding Joy in the Christmas Season

I was asked to give a talk in Church today on the topic of "Finding joy in the Christmas Season." My answer for how to find that joy can be found in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," and in Luke 2: 10-11: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Christ's coming to earth and atoning for our sins is the greatest reason we have for joy. He has redeemed us and given us a cause for hope and joy, that we can repent and live again with Him and our Heavenly Father. This is the greatest gift and a cause for great joy.

That was (and is) the main message of my talk, but I thought of many things while preparing for my talk, and I would like to share other ways that we can find joy this Christmas season.

First, take time to step off the Polar Express and slow down long enough to remember the important things: Christ, family, friends. When we are running to shop and wrap gifts and attend parties and bake and decorate to perfection, etc., we miss the real joys of Christmas. Make a cup of hot chocolate, sit and sip quietly, and count the blessings -- the gifts -- you have been given.

Second, remember that people are more important than presents. In February, I will be going to visit my granddaughter, Berlin, in Virginia, to celebrate her birthday. She asked me what gift I was going to be bringing, and I told her, "I'm sure I'll be buying you something, but what I mainly want to give you is time and experiences. Let's plan on going to an escape room, a movie, or other activities where we can create memories." She is very excited about these prospects. What memories can we be creating at this time?

It may sound cliche to say that it is easiest to forget ourselves and our worries when we are serving others, but if you have tried service, you know that this is true. There is great joy in serving others, and Christmastime offers many opportunities to serve others.

Sing Christmas carols! This is the first year in many that I have not lost my voice at Christmastime. (My doctor tells me that it is allergies, I know that it is the stress that I allow to overtake me during the Christmas season.) I am so grateful to have a voice and to sing the carols. And Christmas carols are replete with phrases of joy: "Joy to the world, the Lord is come," "Shepherds of old heard the joyous strains," " Joyful, all ye nations, rise," "Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant." Sing with joy!

Keep or make traditions. We make real hot chocolate, the kind you have to cook in a pan, and read the Christmas story in Luke 2 every Christmas Eve. (We also open one gift which is always new pajamas.)

Give the gifts of time and love. These are the lasting gifts.

Remember that Christ is the reason for the season.

I am joyful in my gratitude for Christ's atoning gift of sacrifice on my behalf.