But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’ I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 (NIV)

A recent social media response from our daughter’s friend encouraged me. 

Now, a mother of teenage children of her own, she recalled how she enjoyed being in our home when she was a child, and especially remembered the “Joy Jar” on the kitchen counter. 

Taken aback for a moment, I had to quickly scan my memory.

Ah, yes, the “Joy Jar!” 

When we had a joyful thought, special scripture, or meaningful event, we wrote it on a strip of paper and placed it in the jar so we wouldn’t forget God’s many blessings.

Her sentimental remembrance was a gift for me because it brought recycled joy back to me.

It made me ask the question that I now ask you—If you had to measure your joy level right now, what would it be? 

The Christmas season can be a stressful time. Is your family going to be encouraged by your joyful spirit during the holidays or does your joy level need a boost?

As the history of our lives include the ups and downs, so must our continual effort to balance joy and hardship. Bitterness and negativity are gradual corruptions the enemy attempts to use against us. Their impact, in turn, is that others miss out on treasured times of blessed memories.

When I read the Christmas Story in Luke 2, I am reminded of its magnitude. The glorious announcement from the angel of the news of Great Joy to come was life changing for them. God’s light was shining so brightly around them that the shepherds were terrified, but the angel told them not to be afraid. The announcement was  extraordinary because it became personal to each of them, even when the angel told them the Great Joy will be for all the people! (Luke 2:10 NIV)

The shepherds united and made plans to leave the fields and go quickly to see this Christ Baby in a manger. After they saw the miracle, they spread the word of their joy of this great news! (Luke 2:15-18 NIV) 

I encourage you to increase your joy today by simply reading the Christmas story from the Gospel accounts in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-7. And then do not hesitate to share the personal and contagious joy with all those around. 

Make this a Joy Full of Christmas for all!

Jill Hendrix