The Secret to Christmas Joy

The last couple of nights I have been reading the Christmas story to Happy Baby before bed and every time I get to where it says Jesus, I change the name to Frank and it just sends Happy Baby into a fit of giggles.

We have had a lot of fun with that, but the truth is, Jesus is not named Frank.

His name is Jesus, Immanuel, God With Us.

He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

May that message spur you on today as you quite possibly face some challenges. I know that so many of you are hurting right now. Life is hard and messy and the struggle is real.

Jesus knows all about brokenness. This is why He came. To fix the broken things.

To comfort the wife who feels alone.

To offer acceptance and unconditional love to the woman who feels rejected.

To give grace to the mama who feels like a failure.

To bring peace to the woman who struggles with fear.

To be hope for those who suffer physically and mentally.

To bring light and life to a world that often feels heavy and dark.

And Jesus didn’t come just to BE with us, He came to transform us – to sanctify us and make us look more like Him.

A friend of mine encouraged me recently with this quote from Elisabeth Elliot, “The pathway to holiness is located right where you are. In those circumstances, in those relationships, in that tiredness, in that challenge. The grace of God to make you holy is right there.”

This holiness begins with a surrendered heart. Hold everything before Jesus with open hands. Trust Him to meet every need.

Refuse to let circumstances and feelings dictate your faith.

Declare like Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant, let it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38)

This is joy.