Give the Gift of Joy

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s sure to bring you lots of Christmas cheer!

We’ve talked this week about some of the traditions of Christmas.  We’ve hung the wreath in honor of God’s unending love; we’ve put up our Christmas tree and decorated our surroundings with beautiful poinsettias. We’ve even used candy canes as a reminder of Jesus, our Shepherd. I think we may be ready to place those gifts under the tree.

Why do we give gifts at Christmas time?  Do we do it out of obligation?  Are we just trying to “keep score” because someone has given us a gift? If we give with this attitude, then gift-giving will be a chore rather than a JOY.  Let’s take a lesson from the Magi who came to see the baby Jesus.

Listen as I read Matthew 2:10 & 11. “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed! On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”  Their act of giving was an expression love and honor.

            This Christmas as we give our Christmas gifts to one another, may we first stop to worship our Savior, as the Magi did.  If we will put Him first, then our giving to others will be a reflection of the JOY of JESUS!

Give the gifts of gratitude, love and joy by giving honor to Jesus, the One who deserves our heartfelt gifts.  Merry Christmas!

  

The Good Shepherd Brings Joy

           Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s the perfect drink to quench your thirst as you go about getting ready for Christmas!  How ‘bout a candy cane to snack on with your juice this morning.

             Many of us have heard the story of the origin of the candy cane.  But in case you haven’t, the story is told that many years ago, a candy maker wanted to make a Christmas candy that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith.  He began with a stick of pure white hard candy--- white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; and hard----to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church.

     

           The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd. Throughout the Bible Jesus is referred to as our shepherd. In John 10:11 Jesus Himself said: “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The red stripes on the candy cane were to represent the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life. 

            As you browse the stores and see boxes of candy canes lining the shelves; as you see them used in decorations or given as treats….think about the story of the candy cane and celebrate the birth of Jesus with a sweet JOY that can come only from knowing Him.

 Candy canes are a Christmas treat;

 Very pretty and good to eat.

 But the real joy of Christmas is found in Christ. 

 He came, He lived and for us He died.

The Christmas Flower of Joy

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  As you decorate your home for Christmas, why don’t you consider serving Joy Juice to all those who help with this task?  It will make the time pass quickly and joyfully!

            Speaking of decorating, everywhere we look this month we see beautiful expressions of the season….one of which is the lovely poinsettia.  This flower was first called "The Flower of the Holy Night".  A Mexican legend tells of a little boy who had nothing to give the baby Jesus. As he prayed, it is told that a flower grew at his feet. He quickly picked it and gave it to Jesus.

Such a sweet story, though we know it to be only a legend. What we do know for fact is that the flower is named for a man named Poinsett--the American ambassador to Mexico--who is given credit for introducing it to the United States.

            A legend is a traditional story sometimes regarded as historical… but it is unauthenticated. We are not sure of the validity of some stories, but we can be certain of the truth found in the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth.  Scripture refers to Jesus as the Lily of the Valley.  A lily is a sweet and fragrant flower.   Ephesians 5:2 describes Jesus as the One Who gave "himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”   When we put Jesus first on our Christmas list and in our lives, then we will experience genuine joy!  Decorate your heart with the Lily of the valley.  And have a joyfully blessed Christmas.

Each time you see a poinsettia, be reminded of the beauty of the season.  Celebrate Jesus, the Lily of the Valley.

O Christmas Tree---Shine with the JOY of JESUS!

          Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  You may find some under your Christmas tree this year!!  Naughty or nice, Jesus loves you and wants to be your personal friend.  That should bring us all joy!

            Many of us have our homes decorated for the Christmas holidays…or are at least headed in that direction.  Yesterday, we talked about hanging our wreath on the front door and were reminded of God’s eternal love.  Today let’s get our tree ready for the holidays!

            How did the Christmas tree come to be a tradition?  One story that I researched said that Martin Luther is responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree. The story goes that one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow-glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moonlight. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.  

            Some people may not believe in putting up a tree for Christmas.  And that’s perfectly okay!  But we can ALL believe that many years ago, God sent his son to earth in the form of a baby boy.  This happened as the prophet Isaiah foretold in chapter 7, verse 14, “The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin will bear a son, and they will call Him Emmanuel, which means God with us.”

Because of Jesus, we can celebrate Christmas with JOY in our hearts! 

Whether you enjoy a Christmas tree in your home or choose to use other reminders of God’s love, don’t forget to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the reason for genuine Christmas joy. 

A Wreath of Joy

         Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Most of us are busy getting ready for Christmas.  As you decorate your home or work space for the season, do it joyfully!

            Many people began decorating their homes as soon as Thanksgiving was over or even before!    Let’s consider some the traditional decorations we use to make our homes look like “Christmas”. Why do we use certain items to bring that holiday cheer into our homes?  What do they represent?

            Drive through any neighborhood this time of year and you will see many front doors adorned with beautiful Christmas wreaths.  Personally, I love wreaths and  have several throughout my home…inside and outside. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God’s eternal love for us.  It has no beginning or end! Psalm 136:26 says: “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”  The greenery used in most wreaths is to represent the truth that Christ lives and He came to earth to give us the opportunity for eternal life.  The familiar passage in John 3:16 tells us “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever….(that’s you and me) believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life!”

            My hope is that each time we look at a Christmas wreath this year, we will see it with fresh eyes and understanding.  May we see the joy of the Lord shining through the circle of His unending, everlasting love.

Hang your Christmas wreath with a heart of joy as you celebrate the reason for the season….JESUS!  

Joyfully Give Jesus a Gift

            Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Do you have your Christmas shopping done?  (Or have you even started?)   You can always give the gift of JOY!  It doesn’t cost a penny, but, oh, how it lasts!

             It is human nature to like getting new things. Christmas time is  no exception. Most of us enjoy seeing our name on a package under the Christmas tree. But let’s not get so caught up in the gifts that we miss the most important thing: Celebrating the birth of our Savior.        Jesus should always be the focus of our Christmas.  As we share the true meaning of Christmas, may we realize that it’s not the material gifts which are important.

        Here’s an idea!  Why not give Jesus a gift?  The gift of your TIME?  Read His Word and seek His guidance through the scriptures.  We should spend time in prayer, praising God & thanking Him for the indescribable gift of Jesus!!  (2 Corinthians 9:15)

            When our hearts are in tune with His, then we will be able to see more clearly what is truly important.  Parents, spending time with your children is a precious gift.  They would much rather have YOU and your attention than any gift that can be bought!

            This Christmas, set aside time to spend with Jesus and your “someones special”. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Just give them your time!  This may be your family’s favorite Christmas gift of all…. A gift wrapped in JOY!

When planning your gift for the special ones in your life, choose to give them love and joy by simply giving them the precious, valuable gift called “time”.    

           

Christmas Gift Ideas: Honor, Love, Respect...and Joy!

           Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  Still trying to decide what to give some of your friends or family members for Christmas?  You can always give a generous portion of joy in the Lord.

            Most of us have to be cautious about what we spend on Christmas gifts.  We don’t want to spend so much that it takes us months to pay our bills!  If only we would realize that there are many valuable gifts that don’t cost any money and are much more lasting than what we can purchase at the store.  

            1 Thess. 5:12- 13 gives some good gift ideas!  “Now, we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

            The gifts of RESPECT, HONOR and LOVE  are encouraged in these verses.  How do we show respect; how do we “hold others in highest regard?”  By going the extra mile and telling your boss, your pastor, your supervisor or anyone that is in a leadership position that you appreciate their hard work. Express to them how you have been helped by their leadership; thank them for their ministry and influence in your life.  If we say nothing, how will they ever know?  Remember, even those is high offices need our love and support and encouragement. What a great way to let the JOY of Jesus shine through you during this blessed Christmas season!

The gifts of honor, love and respect are truly valuable gifts.  And they are ones that will be joyfully remembered and much appreciated.