“Joy to the world! The Lord is come,” are the words to a familiar Christmas Carol. Similar songs of joy and adoration are sung all over the world during the holidays, but how can we celebrate Christ’s birth when the world is filled with sadness and strife? The excitement of the season can bring some joy through putting up decorations, buying and receiving gifts, and baking cookies, but to some of you, the holiday is a source of dread. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with a diagnosis of a terminal illness or the loss of your job. Our circumstances often determine how we feel. How do we overlook the troubles of this world and celebrate the “happiest time of the year”?
There is a way to overlook your circumstances; his name is Jesus. Jesus is no longer that sweet baby in a manger. He died on the cross to save us from our sins, rose to life again, and sits at the right hand of God the Father, in Heaven, interceding for those who love him. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. He promises joy, love, and peace to those who call on him. Christ not only promised eternal life with him in Heaven, but peace in our hearts when we ask him to come in.
May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Jesus promised peace to those who believe in him, but he also told us we would have trouble. John 16:33 The difference is that Christ overcame the world, and his peace is beyond human understanding. We must trust God that when we reach out to him, he will give us the strength and peace we need to endure, knowing we have the hope of heaven when we die, and healing for our hearts, right now.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, John 14:27
This Christmas, come to the stable and receive Jesus. If you already know him, rejoice in your salvation, and anticipate his promised return with joy and thankfulness. If you don’t know him, why not ask him into your heart, today? He promises he will answer anyone who calls on him. His love knows no bounds and he will forgive any sins you are sincerely sorry for.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
If you want Jesus to be the Lord of your life and receive his forgiveness and peace, say this prayer or one in your own words.
Holy Father, I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for my sins. Jesus promised that whoever believes in him would be forgiven and given eternal life. I am sorry for my sins; please forgive me and be my personal Savior. Please put in my heart the peace you promised to those that love you and the desire to follow you the rest of my life. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
I pray that your Christmas be filled with joy that only Christ can give, the joy that overcomes any sorrow or strife you may be feeling, because of the blessed hope we have in Him.
Merry Christmas!!
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