Another Christmas has come and gone and, if you’re like me, you’re still picking up bits of paper and dreading the task of taking down the tree. Every year we hear people say, “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas.” What exactly is missing? What brings us that ‘feeling’ of Christmas and holiday cheer?
For some, that feeling of Christmas might be missing due to the absence of snow in areas that usually are covered in it by December. Perhaps it’s the empty place at the table due to the loss of a loved one…or we simply were not feeling ‘in the spirit’ for some reason. I’m sure some people found themselves alone for the first time or perhaps there were little or no funds available for gift giving. Many circumstances can cause a lack of interest in the holiday season. Perhaps we can find a way to get that feeling we’re looking for… not only at Christmas, but every day.
As we get older the time seems to pass more quickly and the holidays roll around a little faster each year. As soon as one Christmas is over, I start planning for the next one and ways to make it less hectic and more relaxing…it never happens, but one can dream.
Our joy at Christmas and every day should come through the act of giving and, like the angels in the Christmas story: bringing good tidings of great joy to all people. Our joy began when we accepted the truth 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.
That joy should be renewed every day as we spend time with Jesus and talk with Him about any and every thing that concerns us. The good news of salvation should be shared every day and not just at Christmas. We can sing ‘Joy to the World’ whenever we want. We need to remind ourselves daily and “Go Tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ was born,” and remember: God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him, might be saved! John 3:17
Jesus invites people every day to, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30
Rest unto your soul…isn’t that what we all need? Imagine a rest, a feeling of comfort and security, that soaks into your soul and wraps around your heart like a warm blanket on a cold night. That’s what joy feels like. Knowing the love of someone who gave His life that you might live…isn’t that the best news ever and worth sharing everyday?
The joy in knowing Christ as our Savior should only be enhanced by the Christmas season, so let’s make that a plan for this coming new year: to renew our faith daily by walking closer to Jesus and spreading His love wherever we go. May 2022 be a time of renewal and repentance for us and our nation…and may the feeling of Christmas last throughout the year! Amen