I love Christmas so much. I love the lights, the smells, the feeling, the sounds … I love it all. My oldest bonus son graduated from Auburn several years ago, but two years ago we all went to the Auburn-Alabama game in Auburn. (Where Auburn beat Alabama, might I add). Anyway, Travis wanted to show us where he used to live. As we pulled up to the buildings, I said, “Oh my goodness! The doors are green and red for Christmas! I love it!” The doors were all alternating colors; green and red. Travis looked at me and said, “Only you would recognize something like that!”
When we traveled up to Rhode Island last month, I wished someone in the airport a Merry Christmas! He looked at me and replied, “Oh. You’re one of those people. The kind who can’t wait for Thanksgiving so you rush in Christmas.”
Yep. I am.
I am one of “those” people.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” - Luke 2:8-10 (NIV)
I cannot tell you how many times over the years I have been terrified. Countless. Some were senselessly afraid moments, and some I had every reason to be terrified. At least in my mind. You see, I had not allowed myself to experience the joy of Christmas, even in the tumultuous days of July. Pastor Steve was recently reminding us the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is dependent on upon our circumstances. Joy is found in Jesus. So our circumstances might cause us to be sad, but our joy in Jesus can carry us through those circumstances.
Feelings are real. Feelings are very real. But sometimes our feelings are based on thoughts; projected, if you will, on something that may or may not happen. We allow ourselves to be afraid of doing something, or to be afraid something might happen. Or we are afraid of the unknown future.
Do not be afraid. The angel of the Lord indeed brought good news that would cause great joy for all the people. This is it, y’all. This is the reason we celebrate. This is the reason for our joy! Oh holy night!
Merry Christmas, precious one. My prayer for you today and in the coming days, weeks, months and years; no matter what your circumstances are, I pray you have joy. Joy that is only known through Jesus.