Season of joy or time of stress


Advent is a season that many Christian's observe each year during the weeks leading up to the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It's a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It's intended to be a season of great joy, as we remember the significance of what God did for us by sending His Son so that you and I might be redeemed.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)
But for many of us, both Christians and non-religious types alike, it's a time of stress and fatigue. We're stressed because we get so wrapped up in the tradition of the season. We're worried about how we're going to pay for the presents. Or maybe, you're stressed out because you can't afford to give any presents. Maybe you're worried that you forgot to buy a gift for someone or that they might not like what you got them.

On top of all that, between shopping, until we literally drop and decorating the house, yard, and the Christmas tree, we're totally exhausted. We need a vacation, just to recover from all the madness.
Now, I'm not saying that buying presents for people or decorating your home for Christmas is a bad thing. Not at all. What I'm saying is that we have a tendency to lose the joy that the season should bring when we spend too much time preparing to make Christmas the most perfect day of the year. We tend to forget why we're celebrating it in the first place. Here's a clue… We're celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.

In all the hustle and bustle, I hope you'll take a deep breath, and thank God for what He's done for us by sending His only begotten Son into the world. It just might be the spark that warms your heart so you can experience true joy.

Related messages

Three Practices for this Christmas
Christ’s humble beginnings
Who were the wise men who worshiped baby Jesus?
Giving thanks
15 prophetic signs fulfilled by Jesus

Comments