JESSCOTT MUSIC MINISTRIES
5 WAYS TO A MORE JOYFUL CHRISTMAS:
1.
STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN:
If you discover yourself becoming
dulled to the joys of the season, STOP! Slow the pace down and become
still, taking time to LOOK and LISTEN. Take a winter walk, curl up
in a favorite chair or in front of the fireplace. Helen Keller once
observed, "The seeing see little." So feel the comfort of the glow
of a candle, or the red of the poinsettias. Listen with new ears to
laughter and bells, and to the expression of love of God found in
the story of the first Christmas.
2. BE WILLING TO BE SURPRISED:
Remember that God can come in the least likely ways: a Holy Child born in a village stable, a brightly shining star, an angel song in the night sky. Watch for Him to come in equally surprising ways to you, too. When we live as if God is going to "surprise" us at any moment, in any way, in any place, then He usually does!
3. FIND WAYS TO ANTICIPATE CHRISTMAS:
How
about keeping an advent calendar? Commit yourself to perform at least
one special act of kindness for each day of advent. Write a note,
letter, card or e-mail to someone to express your gratitude, to tell
someone you love them, to forgive an old hurt, or just to count your
blessings.
4. FREE YOUR CHILDLIKE SPIRIT:
Jesus held up childlikeness
as a quality to be cultivated (Mark 10:15). Children are experts at
dreaming up simple things as delights that adults don't, or have forgotten
how to do. Can't you picture a little boy singing "Jingle Bells" to
a plastic Jesus in a store? Christmas often comes in precious moments
like this, when we spontaneously show our adoration for the Baby in
the manger.
5. SHARE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH SOMEONE ELSE:
Nothing multiplies the sense of wonder
in your life like giving it away. The more you share (not just things,
but yourself) the brighter Christmas grows.