Thursday, December 21st Lauren Fresh
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’”
Luke 2:10-11
Christmas almost always causes me to lose my joy. Do you ever feel the same way? Christmas is busy and chaotic. There are parties to go to, decorations to put out, gifts to buy and wrap, events to attend, fancy clothes to wear, visits with Santa, the elves move around the house each night, food to make, and on and on and on. It can be a season that is overwhelming and exhausting.
Luke 2 tells us that Jesus’ birth should be a “great joy that will be for all the people.” But what if I’m having a hard time finding a little bit of joy. Will I ever find “great joy?”
A few years ago, it dawned on me that the birth of Jesus was likely also a little chaotic. Bethlehem was so full of people that there was nowhere for Mary and Joseph to stay. The city was busy and bustling. The barn that they wound up in that night was not resort-like. It was loud, full of animals, smelly. The story of his birth reminds us that even amid the chaos, God is real and present. We must choose to seek him in those places.
The material parts of Christmas can bring happiness, but we must look a little deeper to find Christmas joy. Even in the chaos, we can look for joy. Thank you, Lord, for the chaos because it means I had a house full of people I love. Thank you, God, for visits with Santa and those elves that invade our home for the month, because it means you have entrusted me with your children. Thank you, Jesus, for the 1,000 cookies, candies, and cakes that need making before Christmas because it means we have friends and loved ones that we want to share with. We can also seek joy in the quiet moments before the chaos. The calm before the storm. The twinkle in the Christmas lights. The deep breath that we remember to take in the midst of all the loud noise. By remembering that the joy of Christmas doesn’t come in the boxes that are beautifully wrapped under the tree.
The true joy of Christmas comes in the form of a baby. A gift of God Himself. It comes for all of us, and it comes in the midst of the chaos and overwhelm. Thank goodness.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted this season with the long list of to-dos, to-buys, and to-gos, take a minute and really breathe in the real joy of Christmas. The real joy of Christmas can’t be found in the decorations or cards, the stockings or gifts. The real joy of Christmas is found in the fact that God sent His son to us – to all of us – to be that great joy.
Dear God,
Thank you for sending us the great joy of Christmas. Thank you for making it for all the people. In the midst of the chaos, help us to find your real great joy at Christmas this year.
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