Advent Season – Joy 5

 

            The Christmas season is filled with all sorts of happy times based on family traditions. A tree to decorate, gifts to wrap, eggnog, special cookies, time spent that builds memories. For a follower of Christ these times are extra special simply because of the reason we place on the season. It is a joyous time, as it should be. It’s a time for reflection, a time for forgiveness, a time to humbly thank God for His grace. It all makes it an exciting, yet reflective time.

            Some believers suck the life out of the holiday by being pharisaical in their approach to it. They erroneously wish to ban the tree and sap the celebratory nature of the season, replacing it with nothing by quiet, almost monk like reverence toward God and the season. Now don’t get me wrong, time for quiet reflection and reverence toward God is never wrong, unless it is mandated to the exclusion of all else. 

            We need to realize that joy isn’t just an emotion, but rather something that has its roots in the divine. True joy is realized once we embrace the true sentiment behind the celebration. It can be a very pleasant time of year where problems, while they don’t disappear, seem somehow less important. To the person who has established an intimate relationship with their God, it can be a very profitable spiritual time for them.

            Knowing you are celebrating the holiday by living in alignment with your beliefs brings a certain level of joy and contentment, because after all, isn’t that what we’d like; to be content with our lives because we know they align with the standards our Father in Heaven has set forth. Reflect on your celebration at this time of year and see if it is all it can be unto the Lord. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries