Have a JOYfully Blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s the “drink of choice” that will put you in a cheerful holiday mood as you prepare for Christmas!

            Sending Christmas cards and letters is a special tradition in our family!  What about yours? Often it’s the only time we communicate with relatives or friends who live far away.  The sending of commercially printed Christmas cards originated in London in 1843. Previously, people had exchanged handwritten holiday greetings. First in person…then through the mail. 

The first Christmas card’s inscription read: "Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you." "Merry" was then a spiritual word meaning "blessed".  “Have a blessed Christmas” is what the writer was saying. Whether we choose to send printed cards or a personal note, let’s remember that this is the season to spread the JOY of the Lord. 

Think of the cards you’ve received in the past.  The ones I hold especially dear  are those with a personal note.  You know that the person has taken time out of his/her busy day to jot a “blessing” of sorts for you and your family.  It’s a gift of time and sentiment.

God has “gifted” us with a collection of personal greetings… in the form of our Holy Bible.  Luke 1:14 says:  “And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Share this “Good News” as your special Christmas greeting this year. 

Have a “Blessed” Christmas season by drinking your Joy Juice and sharing a double portion of God’s JOY with those on your Christmas list.