Joy in Celebrating

Christmas is a day to celebrate. A season filled with tradition and joy. But. . .how do we cope when we don’t feel like celebrating? How do we enjoy traditions when it feels like all our traditions have shifted?

First, strip away all that is not necessary. Focus on who you are celebrating and not the act of celebrating. Spend time in the Word – read and re-read the accounts of Jesus’s birth. Fill yourself with Him, and acts of celebration will come from the overflow. Also, remember that Jesus is not looking for a grand gesture, He is looking at your heart.

Let go of expectations. During this season, what is priority? Make a list of the traditions that are most meaningful. What is possible? What can be let go of? What can be changed? Choose the traditions that bring truth and peace and calm. . .and then joy may sneak up on you.

Father, Thank you for love and hope and joy and peace. Thank you for filling us up even when we do not think it possible. Thank you for seeing the celebration inside our hearts when there is not much celebration on the outside. And, most of all, thank you for Jesus. Amen.

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Devin is

• a believer since the age of 7, learning more about His goodness every day.
• wife to Ashley, mom to Reese (15) and Madie (12).
• a nurse by training, now at home full time and running a website/small baking business.