When the birth of the Savior was announced to the shepherds in the field, the promise was clear: we have nothing to fear because the birth of our Savior is good news that brings joy to all people. The promise from the fields of Bethlehem still stands today. Christmas is good news that brings great joy.
At times, the Christmas season can seem more stressful than joyful. But, no matter the stress, we can all seek joy this Christmas. Here are three ways to seek joy this Christmas:
1. Focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
While the activities of Christmas are important and meaningful, Christmas is about more than just gifts and decorations. It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life. When you find yourself overstressed or overwhelmed, as cliche as it is, remember the reason for the season. Simply your plans. Focus your family and experience on joy this Christmas season.
2. Find ways to give to others.
Gift-giving is a central part of Christmas. We give to others because God first gave His Son! While giving to family and friends is good, expanding your generosity may grow your joy this Christmas. One of the best ways to experience the joy of Christmas is to give beyond yourself and your family. You can give to God through your church and you show tangible acts of love by purchasing gifts for a family in need, by serving together at a local ministry or service organization, or in many other ways. Don’t let your budget limit your creativity. Seek to experience and spread joy this Christmas season.
3. Foster an attitude of gratitude.
Christmas is a great season to count your blessings. We have been blessed by God in so many ways. Counting our blessings can lead us to focus on what we have instead of what we lack or want. Counting our blessings reminds us that joy doesn’t just come from what we have but from the relationships we live in - starting with Jesus. Because, when we experience the joy of Christmas, we are not just experiencing our own happiness. We are experiencing the joy of God. The Bible tells us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Live in the strength of joy this season by remembering all that God has done for you.
At times, the Christmas season can seem more stressful than joyful. But, no matter the stress, we can all seek joy this Christmas. Here are three ways to seek joy this Christmas:
1. Focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
While the activities of Christmas are important and meaningful, Christmas is about more than just gifts and decorations. It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life. When you find yourself overstressed or overwhelmed, as cliche as it is, remember the reason for the season. Simply your plans. Focus your family and experience on joy this Christmas season.
2. Find ways to give to others.
Gift-giving is a central part of Christmas. We give to others because God first gave His Son! While giving to family and friends is good, expanding your generosity may grow your joy this Christmas. One of the best ways to experience the joy of Christmas is to give beyond yourself and your family. You can give to God through your church and you show tangible acts of love by purchasing gifts for a family in need, by serving together at a local ministry or service organization, or in many other ways. Don’t let your budget limit your creativity. Seek to experience and spread joy this Christmas season.
3. Foster an attitude of gratitude.
Christmas is a great season to count your blessings. We have been blessed by God in so many ways. Counting our blessings can lead us to focus on what we have instead of what we lack or want. Counting our blessings reminds us that joy doesn’t just come from what we have but from the relationships we live in - starting with Jesus. Because, when we experience the joy of Christmas, we are not just experiencing our own happiness. We are experiencing the joy of God. The Bible tells us that "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Live in the strength of joy this season by remembering all that God has done for you.