What a glorious time of year! Beautiful decorations are arrayed across the land. Hope for great parties and family gatherings, exchanging gifts with neighbors and co-workers in addition to family. Heart warming Christmas movies and Church Christmas programs, many of which are starring our children. Ah, what a wonderful time of year.
But wait. What’s this I see on the news? Supply shortages, sky high prices, an uncertain economy, huge layoffs, and crime. Yes Crime with a capitol C. It’s not even a tale of two cities as it used to be. It’s a tale of many cities, towns, hamlets, beachfronts, mountain resorts and just about everywhere. That is, according to the news.
I suggest that there is more of the former than the latter. Right now though, people are living in fear. People who never lived in fear before are experiencing a sad reality in their lives… trouble. But friends I submit to you that in spite of the bad news, there is hope in the good news. This is a time in which the world pauses to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That should be our focus, our joy, and our great hope.
So when we are confronted with a stranger, meet them with a smile. Don’t assume everyone else is bad because they are not. Most are just like us, trying to make it day by day. Do not allow Christmas fear to overshadow Christmas joy, pease and happiness. Sure, acknowledge the world we live in by using wisdom, but don’t let anybody or anything steal your Christmas joy. God gave it to us. It’s yours!
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