Choose Joy In the Midst of Disappointments
What is one of your favorite Christmas movies? I have a few, but one of my favorites is The Grinch. If you are not familiar with the story, this “bah humbug” character does not like Christmas so will go to the extreme by pretending to be Santa Claus in order to steal all of the Christmas gifts and items. The Grinch’s hope is that Christmas would be ruined, however to his surprise all of the town got together at the end to still have joy despite all of their items stolen. Nothing could stop their Christmas cheer.
As we exit 2020:
We may be stripped down…
We may not have a feast this year…
Our presents or presence may be removed…
We may feel like someone is trying to steal your joy…
How can you cultivate a great Christmas?
Shift your perspective– focus on the real reason for Christmas the birth of our Lord and Savior.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is the Messiah, the Lord….” Luke 2:10-11
As the Grinch witnessed the people of Whoville singing, his heart grew three sizes. His perception of what he thought the meaning of Christmas was changed. Instead of staying in an isolated angry state, he chose to join the group of people. When we understand that Christmas is about the greatest gift, the gift of eternal life that God gifts to us, our perspective shifts.
As we enter 2021:
We can choose Jesus when all is stripped away.
We can choose to feast on the Bible (it may sound corny but it’s true. What God says to us in the Bible nourishes us)
We can choose to find contentment
We can choose joy in the midst of disappointment.
