Dear Mixed One,

I look around at this time of year and I always have mixed emotions too. I am now in the ministry full time, but I came from the professional arena as a manicurist. My clients were at my station from one to two hours, and I heard a lot about what was going on inside them. I saw a definite line drawn: those who were most joyful because of the upcoming holiday season, and those who dreaded the holiday completely.

Our Lord came to bring joy and peace to all people, but as I look around I don’t see joy in all people—not even in all Christians, nor do I see peace on this earth. As Christians we are to show the joy and peace we have in our salvation. Maybe we need to get back to the basics and “see this thing that has come to pass”--our Savior whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.

A lot of things will try to steal our joy during the holidays. Many people fight loneliness and depression during this time. Or we may want to buy, buy, buy, but if we don’t have much money, this can be frustrating. Or we may just get so busy, we have no energy to spend time with the Lord in the Word and in prayer—which is the source of our strength and joy.

Here are some tips that might help you have a more joyful Christmas:

• Don’t overspend. Only do what your budget will allow. Maybe choose to give of your time, or make your gifts such as candy or crafts.
• Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the busyness of it all and forget what Christmas is all about—Jesus!
• Don’t allow the enemy to put loneliness and depression on you. Choose to spend more time in prayer, reading the Word of God and helping someone less fortunate than you.
• Remember the bottom line is that Christmas is not about a fat, jolly man in the red and white suit. It is about Jesus, our Savior, our Lord, our Life.
• Through this holiday season, in every situation ask yourself what would Jesus do? What would Jesus say? How would Jesus act?
• Call upon Him all the time. He is our best friend and He is our family.

Following these tips, we will have joy and peace no matter what our circumstances. We will be able to help others through this time and teach them about the true meaning of Christmas.

If you know the Savior, keep looking only at Him. If you do not know the Savior of the world--the Lord Jesus Christ--I invite you to get to know Him, the true meaning of Christmas. Admit you need a Savior; ask for forgiveness of your sin; and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. Hear as the shepherds did so long ago “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Come join us in church this Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world which includes you and me.