THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Dear reader, it is with joy that we bring you the word of God. The joy of Christmas is here again as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born, an angel appeared to some shepherds and told them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
When Jesus was on earth, He became a light to everyone who came across Him. He came to offer us a way to have a personal relationship with God, and He let His light shine brightly everywhere He went.
In the scriptures we read (Luke 1v78-79), “Our God is merciful and tender.
He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us.
And to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death,
to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
Jesus truly loved people, and they felt better after spending time with Him. They found in Jesus that He listened to them, had compassion for them, healed them, and brought joy and life to each situation.
In Matthew, chapter 5 it reminds us that Christians are the world’s light. As believers, Jesus lives inside us so we can shine the light of His love on everyone around us. Weather at work, in the mall, and even among friends and family members who don’t have a relationship with God.
Here are some ways we can do so this Christmas.
4 Choose to be happy and full of joy everywhere you go.
4 Take time to reach out to someone who seems lonely or is going through a difficult time at work.
4 Send a message to someone, that you are thinking of them and praying for them.
4 Surprise your neighbour or someone you know who is struggling with a gift to make their Christmas more special.
Every day, especially during this special season, you can use your gifts, time, resources, and talents to share that light and serve and brighten someone else’s life. We are all busy with so many responsibilities, yet we can share the love of Jesus with someone. For some of us, it could mean wearing a smile or brightening someone’s day with a laugh.
But perhaps this season, you may be the one who is going through a difficult time with your finances, health, relationships, etc. Then, it’s best to spend time with Jesus and allow Him to strengthen you. A simple prayer could look like, “Dear Heavenly Father, by faith, I place all my fears, worries, and difficulties into your hands. I believe you are more powerful than all the opposition I am facing now, and you can do anything and everything.”
Then, move forward and make someone else’s day. It is easy to turn inward and shut down, especially during a painful time. This is what the enemy wants you to do, but one of the best things you can do is to reach out and help someone else. The scripture says what you make happen for others. God sees that, and in return, He will bless your life, where you will feel His presence, joy, and strength in an even more excellent way.
After all, this is what Christmas is all about. Just as Jesus came to love and serve all of us by giving us the greatest gift, His very life, we can give of ourselves because His life and light dwell inside us. It’s our time to shine!
God bless you and your families, and may you extraordinarily experience the joy of Christmas.
Ps Suresh Dass Joseph
josephdass@optusnet.com.au
