It’s the holiday season again. Homes down every street are decorated with lights and filled with people gathering and celebrating at the end of yet another year. The holidays are a time to feel joy and peace. However, in the hearts of many there is grief, anxiety, and hopelessness.
While many enjoy the season with picturesque traditional family-filled holiday dinners, some are struggling to keep their house clean while their kids make a mess everywhere they go. Some are even grieving a lost family member. For several different reasons, the holiday season is hard on many people, maybe even you.
WHERE IS THE JOY?
First, let’s dive down into what “joy” actually means. The world can define joy based on outward situations and blessings. However, the joy that the Lord gives you is not what the world says it is.
“Chara,” the greek word for joy used in Scripture, indicates a delight not born of or dependent upon temporal experiences or blessings, but founded in a relationship with God. As your relationship with the Lord goes deeper, the joy in your heart gets bigger. Joy is not dependent on our ever-changing circumstances in this world. It is dependent on our ever-constant Savior that was born on Christmas day.
Count it all JOY my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Are you feeling less than joyful during the holidays? From Scripture and the Life 90.6 staff, let’s explore 4 reasons to be joyful during the holiday season even if you are struggling.
1. THE LORD'S PROMISE
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
For every day this Christmas season, we can rejoice in the fact that God sent His only son for us. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live eternally alongside Him. Unfortunately, this broken world can be a heartbreaking at times. Things don’t always go the way they should and it leaves us feeling empty inside. But the life of Jesus promises us that the world will not tear us down no matter how hard it tries. Having the hope of Jesus is a promise and comfort that can carry us through the hard times. God knows His exact plans for you, and sometimes He brings you out of your personal comfort for that plan. This season, listen to what God is telling you in your struggles and remember that He will not forsake you, especially during the difficult seasons.
2. MORE TIME TO SPEND WITH FAMILY
Carolina Christian Radio office administrator Melanie says that her source of joy for the holidays is the “anticipation of gathering with friends and family.” The holidays are when family is in town, and the kids have some time off from school. Being with friends and family is a blessing from the Lord. It allows us to take some time and reflect on the year, and have some fun with our loved ones.
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3. FOOD
Christmas is a time for GOOD food with family. We are blessed every day to be able to put food on our tables because God has provided us with it. This is true especially during the holidays when we have friends and family over to enjoy delicious holiday treats. We can have a little more joy this season when we reflect on not only the spiritual blessings of Christmas, but also the physical and tangible blessings that the Lord provides us every day.
RELATED: 7 Delicious Recipes for Your Holiday Side Dishes, Desserts
4. CHRISTMAS MUSIC
Life in the Morning’s Mandy Bowman perfectly describes her joy during the holidays by yelling from her studio, “CHRISTMAS MUSIC!” This season is a time to spread joy through music about our Savior. Christmas music brings a message of hope into your drive to and from work, and it puts a little bit more joy in your heart. Listen to Life 90.5 for all your favorite Christmas classics, carols, and new holiday favorites now through Christmas day! You can find all the ways to listen including the Carolina Christian Radio App and the Alexa Skill on our Ways to Listen page. In addition, you can even catch some Christmas music on our sister Southern Gospel station, Hope Radio.
It’s our prayer that you’ll listen and take some time this season to reflect on the joy and hope that only Jesus can provide.
What gives you joy in the Christmas season? Tell us in the comments!
