Peace and Joy To You

 

 

" Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David."

~ Luke 2:11

Sometimes peace and joy can be a difficult thing to find in our daily lives.  For some of us Christmas means getting together with family and friends.  For some of us this is a happy time.  And yet for others this is a trying time.

Not everyone gets along.  Rude comments, harsh criticism, gossip, and sarcasm get the better chunk of conversation. Sometimes it is sour attitudes that spoil what could have been a happy time.  Bitterness over unforgiven acts can bubble up and people start aggravating each other.

Its a sad truth that the human race needs no encouragement when it comes to thinking only of ourselves and how we feel and what we want. 

Obviously this is not how things should be. 

Luke 2:11 reminds me that God sees all our interactions and He doesn't want us to be harboring ill will towards anyone no matter how they treat us.  Easier said than done, I know.  I am also reminded that God gave us an amazing gift that first Christmas by sending us all a Savior.  Someone who could not only save us from our enemies, including death, but also from ourselves.

Jesus Christ came into a turmoil world and I am certain that His human family had their share of difficult interactions.  We know for a fact that Jesus had brothers.  So there had to have been times when siblings became trying.  Jesus knows and understands difficult family situations.  He understands hurt feelings and selfish attitudes.   

But He does not allow excuses.  We have to be real and honest with ourselves about our own hearts and attitudes.  The good news is that God will help us with all of that.  And He reminds us in Romans 14 that practicing good attitudes and kind acts are not only pleasing to Him but preparation for the family we will interact with forever.

" For the kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

~ Romans 14:17  

So let's be sensitive to the feelings of others.  Let's consider twice what we will say before we say it.  Let's choose to be happy and thankful for another Christmas that finds us alive and able to interact with others.

Jesus Christ is with us in our family gatherings so let's behave in a manner that is honorable to Him even if others do not.  

Peace and joy and love and endurance I pray for each of you this Christmas.  God is good no matter our circumstances.  Jesus Christ is Lord and He loves us for who we are and all we will soon become.  

There is JOY in the life of a Christian!  Praise the Lord for His amazing love! 

Merry Christmas!  The Savior was born on this day for you and for me!