Beautiful colors and melodious tunes saturate the atmosphere
Constant reminders, blazing: ’tis the season of celebration.
They woo us to divorce devastations of times past and fear
Of what could be, to arise and say yes to this delightsome season.
They lure us to cast away our burdens, set aside our worries
Not care about our cares; forget regrets, reach out, reach up
Wear our best, feed fat on gratitude, get drunk on joy, give back
All we can, spread the peace, the grace, the glory of this season.
Considering certain circumstances, one would wonder, “What is merry about this Christmas?” Many have had a tough ride with life, lost opportunities, properties, money, jobs, health, relationships, loved one(s) and are uncertain of the direction the New Year is steering whereas some have recorded unprecedented wonders. Truth is, there will always be issues to deal with. If we wait until life provides sufficient reasons to be happy, we will lose the joy of life and die in misery. Joy is a fruit of the spirit but to rejoice is a choice we make in spite of all. The seasons of life we can’t influence but life is what we make of the circumstances that come our way, good or bad.
Everyone deserves to be happy! We have been through so much and should enjoy the best times ever, right? Don’t wait for someone to appreciate you: if you don’t give yourself a treat, you may never get one. Besides, if you are not merry, you cannot make anything merry for someone else. Merriness begins with you before it can flow out to others. If you don’t have it, your wishes can’t impart it. The prevalent weather in our souls set the atmosphere around us and rubs off on others through our dealings. How I pray that you be kind and considerate toward yourself, especially at this time, to take your eyes off your circumstances, prepare a jovial heart, and be generous in your rejoicing this season.
Are you alive? I suppose you are if you are reading this 🙂 Are you saved? Are you healthy? Can you move around? Have you a roof over your head, clothes on your body, food and drink on your table? Can you read and write? Take not a thing for granted at this time that many are harassed by wars, terrorism, famine, sickness, and all manner of evil. Truly, life offers the bonus of hope to all its customers. For this period, choose to lay down the weights, set aside the struggles, forget the past and with gratitude, look up to the heavens and see the stars shinning, announcing the coming of our mighty Deliverer, the arrival of our faithful Helper, our Glory and the Lifter up of our head. See Jesus lifted above all and trust that He will lift you above them all.
If you can bring yourself to look beyond what was and what is threatening, you can enjoy a merry Christmas. When you have made your season merry, then you can make it so for others because it is easier to share what you have enjoyed. While growing up, every festive period especially on Christmas day, it was always a joy to volunteer our help as my mum had us going round the neighborhood distributing her generous gifts. They weren’t spectacular gifts but they made significant differences to the receivers and to us. Something I unconsciously inherited and hope I can make a lifestyle of beyond festive seasons.
This week, I implore you to look beyond yourself, past where you are and the things you have been through, to lift up to the Lord, a heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. Set the clock of your soul on merriment because you are alive. Don’t wait for anyone to make this season a merry one for you. Don’t wait for anything to justify or nullify your merriment. Go ahead and make this season a very merry one for yourself because so many have gone without realizing it was their last one. We hope for many more but while we have this one, go ahead and make it your best so far. And don’t stop there: help make it merry for someone if you can and the God of all peace and comfort, will fulfill your joy, preserve you and your family until He perfects all that concerns you, amen.
May this Christmas be the merriest you ever had! Please feel free to share your merriment and trust that I will be sharing mine as well 🙂
Glory!