Joy v Stress? (i'll take joy)

As Christmas quickly approaches (only four more days!!), I am reminded of how stressful the holiday season can be for many people. As I went to finish up some Christmas shopping with my momma and sister today, I was not all that surprised at the crowded and busy aisles and full parking lots.

I find gift-giving a fabulously fun way to show others we care, and I think it is important for us to remember that gift-giving should be something that brings both us and the recipient joy. And I feel that for many people shopping for gifts has become more of a necessity and a burden than a thoughtful way to show someone you love them.

Consider the wise men, bringing baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. For some reason I don't think those wise men spent their journey to Bethlehem complaining about how much those gifts cost or how early they had to get to the store to buy them or how long they waited in line. Instead they were probably bursting with anticipation to present their gifts. Granted, the recipient of their gifts was fully deserving of the excitement and joy of their giving. But then shouldn't we be joyful in our giving to our families and friends as well? Jesus' birth is the reason for all of the joy, excitement, and love that makes the Christmas season beautiful and wondrous. And in celebration of his coming, isn't it only right that we be joyful and full of anticipation in all that we do?

So as we are out shopping for presents, wrapping that abundance of gifts, preparing Christmas dinner for a huge family, or just trying to clean up the house a bit, it is of the utmost importance that we remember who this holiday is named for : Christ. Our Savior. Our Wonderful Counselor. Our Great Redeemer. Emmanuel. The Messiah. And as we do all of these so-called holiday chores, I pray that we will do them with joy and to glorify the name of our God.

The Christmas season should not be stressful time of year. It should be completely the opposite! Christmas is a time to rejoice and sing praise; a time to share our love with those in need; a time to make happy memories with family and friends. As Christians, it is necessary for us to set that example and to be the ones who are NOT ONLY excited about catching a sale, receiving lots of expensive gifts, or eating lots of sweets. We have to be the ones who are ALSO and EVEN MORE excited about the birth of Christ our Savior!

So how can we do this? BE JOYFUL! And share that joy with everyone you meet! So don't be stressed or anxious! You have every reason to be full of happiness and calmness this Christmas because Jesus was born for YOU!!


Let's give the gift of our love this year to Jesus! And let us do so with JOY and EXCITEMENT because HE is what its all about!

This is an image that I just find so meaningful. To me, it shows how all the fluff and frills of the commercialized Christmas season can be fun, but never should compare nor outweigh our adoration of Jesus at his birth.