“but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 NLT

This is a season of joy.

Christmas, the ultimate time of joy.

I hope I don’t get caught up in the worldly things. I love baking, I love my family & friends, and I also love giving gifts. All those things are great, but I hope I don’t get caught up in it. I actually will not allow myself to. I don’t want to miss out on what Jesus has for me.

Don’t forget the reason of Christmas. I know, you’ve been told that so many times. But let me tell it to you this way – Christ wanted us to experience His joy. During Christmas, and all the time. Even when it’s hard. Even when the holidays don’t feel the same. When you just wish you could have a few more days off for Christmas break. When life feels like it is flying by. Seek the joy from the King. He not only wanted us to have joy, but to realize the ultimate joy comes from Him.

Joy is mentioned to us many times through out the four Gospels. Not only was Jesus arriving bringing good news, but it was also going to bring our world great joy. How incredible to know a savior was to be born. I don’t find it coincidental that we find in John chapter 16 the word joy once again. But this time to His disciples. This time when much hurt was about to enter. Jesus shared with his followers, “I tell you the truth. You will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” Overtime as life evolves it’s okay to admit joy is harder to find at times. Christmas is tough for some and if we allow life to do so, all our joy will be striped away from us. Don’t allow it to happen.

This Christmas, join me in staying focused on the joy that was brought to this world with the birth of a Savior. A savior that brought and left the promise of joy. He had much purpose behind it. He was and still is that peace and joy. Don’t allow worldly things to take away the joy our greatest gift has for us. Stay focused. Even when these moments in life are difficult may you still know and seek the joy from the King. Merry Christmas.