As you think about the Christmas holidays, does the word JOY come to mind? I hope so. We have so much to be thankful for and to be joyful about. So many times during the holiday season, other words make the top of the list instead – worry, dread, stress, etc. But if you pause for a moment to ponder what the season is about, joy should show on your face. The days up until Christmas should not be something that we just “try to get through” and make the most of. It should be a time of enjoying family and friends and counting our blessings.
What has been our gift this year – to those around us, to our self, to God? What are we willing to give? Will we show the love of Christ to others and help them to find the everlasting hope that is the greatest gift of all? Will we share the story of Jesus with others and bring them along on the journey? Will we share with them the peace that Jesus can bring if we let him on the boat with us? Can we share how that even in the midst of rough waters and the storms our Savior leads us through to a brighter day?
What is your story this Christmas? How has God touched your life in 2013? How have you been touched by others around you? Take some time this holiday season to pause, think, and remember.
So many people have touched my life this year. We have had a lot of new things and new people in our life this year – new home, new church, new friends, new school, etc. We also continue to be blessed by longtime friends, family, and lots of memories of times spent with those that are now walking the streets of heaven. We are blessed. We have joy…overabundant joy.
Let us share our joy… let us remember…