Every year around Thanksgiving time, members of the family will send out an email asking for everyone’s Wish List. In one of those emails this year there was a link to the Wish List of the members in their family. One of the lists had an added note, which identified one particular item that that person wanted for Christmas. The note stated, “I would rather have (blank) than any other thing”. This quote was basically saying that they would be so happy and joyful if they got this one thing for Christmas.
We all like to see members of our family and others experiencing the joy of Christmas, but is it a gift that brings joy or should it just be that celebrating the birth of Christ within itself, is the gift of joy?
Let’s look at Luke 2:1-14 and see what the Bible says about Great joy. I want to take the letters in the word G R E A T and see what can add a little bit of Christlike joy in our Christmas.
- G is for Generosity.
Jesus was always generous with others in need. Proverbs 19:17 (NIV84): He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. The Lord blesses us when we show generosity to others in need. - R is Rest.
Jesus always took His disciples away to rest and pray. We need rest to keep our joy. Job 9:25 (NIV84): “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy. - E is for Evangelism.
Jesus expects us to tell others what the real meaning of Christmas is all about. It is evident in today’s scripture in Luke 2:10 (NKJV): Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings. We are to share the good news. - A is for Appreciation.
Nothing makes you feel good and others than showing appreciation. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (NKJV): We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. - T is for Time.
One of the hardest things to carve out in the Christmas season is time. First, we need to have time with the Lord and then with those we care about the most. Hebrews 10:24–26 (NKJV): And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
I’m praying that you have a great and joyful Christmas this year!
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