Christmas is the time of year we see and hear many cheerful greetings from people everywhere; whether grocery shopping, gift shopping or just walking down the street for a walk. Cheerfulness is related to joyfulness because they both are felt inwardly in our emotions and outwardly expressed by our words. Both carry the meaning of having hope, delight, optimism, not getting discouraged or losing faith. In other words, being cheerful helps us to keep our faith strong. As a result of having strong faith, we are able to give comfort and support to others.  Being optimistic also gives us hope and confidence because our mindset is on the positive side of whatever circumstance or situation we are facing. I believe that being cheerful, joyful, and optimistic, is an outward expression of my faith in my God to bring good from every situation for His glory. We do not have to like the situation; we just need to believe that God is with us in every situation. (Matthew 28:20)

We need to remember – Christmas is the once-a-year celebration of the birthday of Jesus – BUT we are to celebrate HIM all through the year because He is always with us.

We do not have to wait until Christmas time to decide to be cheerful, joyful, and optimistic; it is our decision every day to place our delight in God and His Word. Psalm 37:3-5 tells us that when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He shall give us the desires of our heart. It is not that we just desire something and He gives it to us, but that our desires line up with His plan and purpose for us and our faith rises to trust in Him to do good and bring it to pass. To be honest with you, if our desires have not changed and being transformed since we received Jesus as Savior then we are failing to renew our minds by the God’s Word. (Romans 12:2)

My prayer for you this Christmas Season: that your commitment to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus goes beyond the Manger to the Cross and celebrate Jesus the Savior, Healer, Counselor, Friend and Almighty God, in your heart and words of cheerful praise.

Psalm 34:1, 3; I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 100:1-2; Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; come before His presence with joyful singing.