‘Tis the Season
I know that you can finish the lyrics of the title of this post – to be jolly. At least that’s what we hear all of the time. “It’s the hap…hap…happiest time of the year,” or so we’re told. We hear words like: jolly, happy, peace, goodwill, etc. all around us in songs and conversation. But is that how everyone is feeling? I’ve seen the faces of some folks lately that say otherwise.
We live in a land of plenty where most people have at least the basics that they need to live. Now, I know that I have lived a blessed life, but now realize that when I was a child, we were certainly not wealthy people. Still, we were content with what we had. This season of the year as a child seemed very happy to me.
Has anyone else noticed that the more we acquire and accumulate, the more sad we seem to be? The more we get, the more we want, and the cycle spins out of control sometimes.
What makes you happy? Have you ever really sat down and spent time thinking about this very question? Most of us have given it some thought, but haven’t really examined it to the extent we need to. What is your happiness based upon?
- If it’s that perfect someone to spend the rest of your life with – remember that life is a vapor that appears for a while and then vanishes away.
- If it’s wealth – you have to work to accumulate it and it can disappear in an instant.
- If it’s having the house you always wanted – a fire or tornado could destroy it in a heartbeat.
- Maybe it’s that perfect career, the one that will move you on up the ladder of success – but careers change when circumstances change.
- if it’s your material possessions – they age and become outdated.
You see that this list could go on and on. Just ask Solomon, who was one of the wealthiest men on the earth – but even he realized that his possessions couldn’t make him happy.
Let’s ask a different question. What brings you joy? I’m talking about something that can’t be taken away because of bad circumstances. It is something to which you can cling for all of your life, and carry with you into eternity.
I’m praying that your greatest joy comes from living an obedient life in Christ and fellowshipping with those of like precious faith. Nothing on this earth can bring more peace into your life than having God as your Father and Jesus as your older brother.
- Sharing life with that perfect someone who shares your faith in Christ brings joy.
- Any wealth you may have accumulated can be used in the Lord’s work and bring joy to you and to others.
- That big house you wanted can be used to show hospitality to those who need help.
- Even your career can be used to bring others to Christ as you let your light shine to those with whom you come in contact.
- Those material possessions can bring joy when you share them with those in need.
This may be the season to be jolly, but every season can bring joy into your life when you faithfully give gratitude for your inexpressible gift of joy in the Lord.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
AUTHOR: Donna Faughn
