Simple Joy

12/7/2022

Written By: April Mills

The holidays are upon us, and you know what this means. The marathon has begun! Shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, and more shopping! Christmas photos (don’t forget to color coordinate the outfits) and Christmas cards. Christmas school programs, snacks for Christmas parties, stockings to stuff, and family dinners to plan. Lights to hang, groceries to purchase, and cleaning to be done. And on and on the list grows.

Whew. I am worn out just thinking about it all! A friend and I recently had a conversation about how, despite the sacred meaning of the season, Christmas just seems to get more and more stressful each year. Sure, we all know why we celebrate the season. But if we are honest, do you feel that reason gets pushed back and buried beneath the “to do” list?

In this busy time, how do we flip flop it? How can we bring the celebration of Christ to the forefront and centerstage of our lives? How do we find peace and joy in the midst of such a busy season? After all, there is just so much competing for our attention!

We have to find a way to embrace the simple joy of the season. We need to give ourselves permission to slow down, make it simple, and get back to the basics. The family get togethers can be wonderful, and the giving of gifts can be a great joy. However, the greatest joy the world has ever known is the birth of a Savior.

Meditating on Scripture surrounding the birth of the King can help re-center our focus and bring peace and joy back into our holiday routine. It will plant our feet on the rock of truth so we are not tossed here and there by all the demands of the season. It will be our quiet peace and a steady, unwavering joy in our hearts despite all the busyness surrounding us.

Luke 2: 8-14 says “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I love verse 10, where the angel brings good news that will cause a great joy for all people. A great joy - think on that for a few minutes. How often do we experience great joy?

Due to life circumstances and stressors, it can be hard to experience great joy at times. It can be especially difficult during the biggest holiday season of the year. But oh- the hope we have! Thanks to a baby born in a manger so long ago, we can have joy not just at Christmas, but joy every day. Thanks to a baby that grew to a man that shook the Earth with His words and deeds, we can have everlasting joy! We can find strength in joy that is victorious over stress, financial burden, anxiety, grief, depression and the stress of the holidays!

I encourage you to declutter your heart, and your schedule this holiday season. Take time to bask in the glory of His miraculous arrival to mankind. Take the time to receive peace, and let joy

resonate in your heart. If you do nothing else this holiday season but reflect and take joy and comfort in His birth, then you have done enough, friend. You have done enough. May the joy and peace of our Lord overtake you and keep you this season!