When Christmas Isn't So Merry

We have been talking about Fruit of the Spirit in Sunday school recently and I will do a series of posts with all of the lessons that my FABULOUS teacher has done (he's my husband) ;)  A few weeks ago we talked about joy and I have just been thinking so much about that word.  The definition that we talked about in Sunday school was:

joy - "having confidence in God's goodness despite your circumstances." 

Obviously this is not the Webster's dictionary definition but I think it's perfect.  Rachel has gotten into this trend where she has been grumbling and complaining about everything.  She is just not happy about anything and we had a discussion the other day about joy and about being content.  Her kindergarten teacher even looked up the verse in Philippians where it says "do everything without arguing or complaining" Philippians 2:4.  Now, if she gets into her "funk" I will say, "Rachel, what does Philippians 2:4 say?"  She will quote the verse and her attitude will change...most of the time!

My point to all of this is not to say that we will not have challenges in our lives.  I love this time of year.  Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year but let's face it, for some it is the sadest time of the year.  Some of you will celebrate your first Christmas without your loved one, remember the baby you were supposed to be holding this Christmas or your heart may be aching because your empty belly suddenly stopped growing when the life inside ceased to continue living even when your love didn't.  Many of my friends are experiencing broken marriages and families and I'm heartbroken for them.  For some, this time of the year is excruciating and I am sorry...from the very depth of my heart and soul, I am sorry.  I wish I could sit with each one of you and weep with and for you.

The good news is that even though this world is filled with sorrow and hurt and terrible things that Jesus was born to bring hope, peace and JOY to this world!!!  And HE DID!!!  He does and HE WILL!!!!  I am so excited about His coming I could get out of my seat right now and shout it from the top of my lungs!!!  Christ is STILL ON HIS THRONE!  Whatever you are going through, my friend - whatever it is...HE is there for you and WITH you and He wants you to know that He loves YOU!  I know that when your world is crumbling down before you, sometimes God is the last thing that you want to hear about because you feel like He did whatever to you, but that is the farthest from the truth and that is what the enemy wants you to believe. 

So, this Christmas, please cling to the HOPE and LOVE and JOY of Christ.  He was born more than 2,000 years ago in a lowly stable to save this world from sin.  That baby changed everything.  Everything.  He can change YOU too, if you allow him. 

All is well, all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing Alle
Sing Alleluia

All is well, all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come, go and tell
That He is in the manger

Sing Alle
Sing Alleluia

All is well, all is well
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior

Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia

All is well

Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior

Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia

All is well



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