Christmas is Coming

By Cathy Irvin
Staff Writer

CBN.com – I am like a child in a candy shop or a toy store when it comes to Christmas. I can hardly be still and wait for its arrival. I like buying for my family and friends. I love to decorate and plan for my family to come over and enjoy the holidays with me. I like going to my church to hear a concert, seeing a Christmas drama with friends and family etc. There is so much to do.

There have been some trying situations in this past year. My sister went to be with the Lord, and then there is the family problem that needs help with after the holidays, and a trip I had to cancel because of a check that didn’t arrive in time. Yet for me those things can’t steal my joy this season because I just won’t let them.

I really believe in God’s Word when it says He gives us peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I know we are not to live our lives by what we see in the natural or by our feelings. If so, our emotions would dictate to us daily. We would be living in a carnal state of mind rather than being led by the Holy Spirit. It helps to think about all the good things in my life, and how we should reflect on our blessings not our shortcomings.

My Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful. I knew how blessed I was since my son cooked all the turkey and trimmings. “Emeril” the famous chef couldn’t have done it better) and I was able to share time with family and friends. I decorated my entire home before Thanksgiving this year since I was going to help decorate my church a few days afterwards. That was a special time for me since I enjoy decorating so much, especially at Christmas.

The joy to me at Christmas is thinking about the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, came to save us and that is the greatest gift of all, our salvation. That gift is like opening a great big package that you can share with all you come in contact with … it’s the gift of His love.

I find it is so much easier to share His love at Christmas. So if you are feeling kind of down, let your spirit be lifted up by reaching out to those around you, sharing what you have, even if it may seem little to you.

The spirit of Christmas is the “JOY” that we can have all year round. Joy and peace are mine to have everyday. Remember to think like a little child and sense all the excitement in the air, because “Christmas is coming.”