Christmas Joy

When my three kids were young, Christmas Morning was about all the normal things: Santa Claus and his reindeer; presents under the tree; and ripping the wrapping paper and playing with all their new toys.

As a parent we tried to teach them about giving and sharing. We worried about them getting the true meaning of Christmas. Would they grow up to be spoiled brats? Or would they learn to share and help others?

Would they get it? Would they forget about Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus?

So I’m fascinated now to see them now as adults. They put so much thought and care into their gifts. They want to give something that really matters to their loved ones. They want to give from the heart.

I love seeing that side of their personalities. It’s fun to see that Christmas has become less about presents — oh sure, they love getting surprises too, but it’s not the “be all and end all” of the season. They get more enjoyment from spending time with friends and family.

Christians celebrate the third week of Advent this coming Sunday by lighting the third candle on the Advent wreath called the “Candle of Joy” or sometimes the “Shepherd’s Candle.” This candle is often pink and represents the joy the shepherds felt when the angels announced the birth of Jesus to them. It is a reminder that good news can bring joy and that God’s message was first given to humble, average people. 

Here’s to the joy in our heart.

Joy is a beautiful thing:

–“Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year.” —Charles Dickens

—“‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.'” —Dr. Seuss

–“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” —Will Ferrell

–“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable Gift.” —2 Corinthians 9:15

–“When we remember a special Christmas, it is not the presents that made it special, but the laughter, the feeling of love, and the togetherness of friends and family that made that Christmas special.” —Catherine Pulsifer

–“Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it — you feel it, you know it, you believe it.” —Kevin Alan Milne

–“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” —Romans 15:13

–“For it is in giving that we receive.” —Francis of Assisi

–“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” —2 Corinthians 9:15

–“God bless us, every one!” —Charles Dickens

–“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” —Norman Vincent Peale

–“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light, Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.” —Hugh Martin, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”