Who Took the Merry Out of Your Christmas?
The realization that the nation is in a recession denoted by job losses, declining disposable incomes, dreary financial forecasts, and no distinct quick fix has many people saying “Bah, humbug!” this Christmas season. The economic stresses of the day have strained, suppressed, or squeezed out the merry feelings many display at Christmas time.
Of a truth, the times are difficult, the economic outlook is dour, and your personal prospects of a quick recovery may be dim. But, with all of that dismal information, there is still an opportunity to have a merry Christmas.
How you may ask? You may say, “You don’t understand what I am going through or how I am feeling! I lost my job and I can’t buy Christmas for my kids.”
You would be right in your statement. But, the merry can never be taken out of Christmas, no matter how terrible, troublesome, or turbulent be the situation you are going through.
The true merriment, joy of the Christmas season is based not on the traditions of men, our outward circumstances, or our inner drive to find or formulate our own source of Christmas joy.
The true merriment, joy of Christmas is rooted in the knowledge and understanding that the Christmas season is a time of remembering God’s gift to man, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to save the world from sin.
With this in mind, you can have a merry Christmas if you set your heart truly on Jesus. Your Christmas can be joyous, if you find contentment solely in the Lord. You can celebrate this season in high spirits, if you consider that Jesus is the real reason for the season.
I am pleased to offer you some encouraging news that can put you into a festive mood.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Christ was sent that you might be saved from your sin. He is an equal opportunity Savior. Whosoever will let them come-He does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. No matter who you are, where you have been, or what you have done, the little baby boy born in a lowly manger to a virgin Mary grew and was shown through Word and power to be both, Lord and Savior.
Let your joy be centered in Jesus, really meditating on His love and sacrifice for you, His desire for you to love and know Him. Believe on Him as your Savior and Lord and you will find that your Christmas can always be merry and bright.
Have yourself a Merry Christmas!
Larry D. Reed, Sr.
I Owe Jesus
12/11/08
