“You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’” -Acts 2:28 NLT
There is so much to do around Christmas time; shopping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, organizing! The list can seem endless and the joy, just the opposite. We get tired, overwhelmed, and stressed. It can also be a sad time if Christmas is a little different this year in that someone we celebrated with for years is no longer here. That can sometimes make all the work seem more like a chore than happy work in preparation for a joyful celebration.
I’ve experienced all of the above and for me, the key was and is to focus on the life at the center of it all. I want to share the love of Jesus and the joy He brings with those around me. I can’t do that if I’m overwhelmed, stressed, and sad. That’s not how I want to be anyway. It’s okay to address those feelings when they come and it’s not okay for me to dwell there. If I’m overwhelmed or stressed, I step back and reevaluate whether I’m doing too much and how important it is. If I’m tired, I rest, and if I’m sad I talk to the Lord about it. I cry if I need to, snuggle my kitty, put on some happy music, and carry on.
The joy of His Presence is there for me; in the uplifting music, in my kitten’s purr, and even in my tears. I feel Him with me, comforting me and giving me His peace. Call out to Him, talk to Him, read His Word, sing a worship song, or just whisper His name – Jesus. He loves His people and He’s there for us always! So, feel the joy of His Presence as you string lights and wrap presents. 😉 Let His peace wash over you and the stress melt away.
Wishing you happy work in preparation for a joyful celebration!
🎉😁💕
A Medley of Things 