‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly! …Or so they say.

Sometimes it is hard to keep your Christmas joy when you are stressed to the max

…while preparing for yet one more holiday gathering,

…when making your lists and checking them twice,

…as you are dashing through the snow (or across dry asphalt) with those last minute errands,

…then, someone yells at you for accidentally (or not so accidentlally) cutting them off in traffic.

Bah Humbug!

This year can be different.

Focus on the positive. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

Do not focus on who is not at your gathering. Focus on who is there. Do not focus on the function you missed because of a conflict. Focus on the function you are attending and who you are with.

Be thankful. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Whatever it is that we are facing, we can almost always find that there is someone who is worse off. If we got out of bed this morning, we are better off than some people are. Choose to practice gratitude for all that is in your life. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way in keeping joy in the season. Spend time in prayer thanking God for His unspeakable gift.

Forgive. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

This is a high but worthy challenge, especially if you are hosting others. When it comes to Christmas, rolling with the flow is an important way to help keep the peace and the joy. Does it really matter that someone was a half hour late or they forgot to bring the dish they promised? Christmas is about the forgiveness that God brought us through His Son, Jesus Christ. In the spirit of the season, let’s pass that gift on to others.

Serve and give to others less fortunate. The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Little in life brings more joy than doing something for someone who is in need. It is hard to feel unhappy when you are serving others and giving to those less fortunate.

Sing. James 5:13 says, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” When we sing, we walk a God-designed pathway to joy.

Sing praises to our King, wherever you are—sing Christmas carols with a congregation, sing with a group of carolers, sing alone in your car. Just sing! Joy to the World, The Lord Is Come!

Attend church. O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant! And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Worshipping in God’s house, especially as we celebrate the birth of Christ, is a great way to keep joy in Christmas. Encouraging and be encouraged by others helps to halve our sorrows and double our joys. Besides you are supposed to spend time with family at Christmas, this includes our Christian brothers and sisters.

Reflect on the reason for the season. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

During this most wonderful time of the year, how much time do we really spend enjoying the wonder of the greatest gift ever given …the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World? No matter how busy we are, to experience the real joy of the season, we have to make time to reflect on Jesus. Spend time in God’s Word reading the Christmas story, and imagine what it would have been like to be there. Attend Christmas programs about the birth of Christ that are biblically sound, and try to take away something new this year that you never realized before.

Love. 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. (John 3:16)

God showed us what love is all about by giving us Jesus. Express and receive love from those who care for you and who you care for too. Value relationships over rules. Pray a little prayer that all those you care about feel loved even if your gifts can not adequately express all you feel inside. Love like Jesus does, for He is truly the joy of the season.

Dear Lord: Thank You for giving us the greatest gift of all, Jesus. By His example, may we learn to love, give, forgive, and serve others. Please bless those that are hurting this Christmas. Bring peace, joy, love and comfort to all those in need. We love You, Lord, and thank you for Your amazing love for us. Amen 

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. Luke 2:10-11

Do you have other ideas for how we can keep our joy this Christmas? Please share your experiences, thoughts and comments. Have a Merry Christmas!

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May the joy of the Lord fill your Christmas season to overflowing!