December 2007

“Joy and Smiles to the World”

There we were sitting comfortably in the light dimmed concert hall. The candles up front glowed expectantly, announcing that something special was about to happen. We always looked forward to this High School Christmas concert. Listening to good Christmas music always started the season off in a special way. As the choirs began moving in procession down the aisle the song rung out, "Joy to the World the Lord Has Come." It was a beautiful start, except for one problem, the words were not reflected in their faces. Very few choir members were smiling. If there was joy in their hearts, it wasn't being displayed in their faces. So begins my encouragement to you this Christmas season. Let the joy of Christmas fill your lives and your relationships this Advent.

It's time to bring a smile to the people around you and joy to your own heart as you think of the Christ child, God's gift to the world. Take it to heart to bring laughter and smiles to the people that you are with this year. Dress up as Santa and deliver gifts. Drop by with cookies to a family in the neighborhood that you don't know. Go caroling with your antler hat on (hunting season is over). Shovel your neighbors snow (yes, it's coming) with your canoe paddle. Smile, and say "Merry Christmas" to the strangers you meet while shopping. Tell a good Santa Joke. Tell a frustrated sales clerk that they are doing a fantastic job. Make a meal for your family, if that's not your normal task. Give free "Christmas Hugs". Buy gifts for the Teen Challenge. Send family Christmas Cards. Bake Christmas cookies to share. Invite your neighbors to the Children's Christmas production. Be creative and let the world know that the songs you sing tell the story of what is in your hearts. Spread the Joy of Christmas, it's contagious.

Have a Blessed Christmas,

Pastor Craig