Choose to Choose Joy! (from 2013)

I will not lie, it has been a strange and rough holiday season.  A loved one has gone, another is passing as I write. It seems as though we are just vapors passing through. I have been feeling stressed and worn out and tired and irritable. Not to mention the "short" amount of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, has had me in panic attack mode since Black Friday. The kind where you randomly gasp because you just know you forgot something or someone.The first few weeks of December looked something like this:The kids  got the flu.I lost my box of Christmas books that go under my "reading tree " ( where no one "reads" anyway.)I bought stuff at target and accidentally left it at target.I missed 3 parties because the kids have the flu.The computer has locked me out of my data base so I can't send my Christmas cards.  (If you received one it is because I have memorized your address so thank you for never moving.) Or because you were so organized to send me yours first in a timely manner so I could send one back so also thank you!!  Still December 24th finds me with 100+ cards sitting on my desk.I had to make shift the Christmas card due to the flu.No one wants to do my devotional….. or watch my Christmas movies.The Bubbas ate ALL their advent candy  by December 12th ( which may be why they lost interest in the  advent devotional.)There is unforgiveness that lingers in the back of my mind like a pinched nerve.Somewhere around losing my treasured books and my 3rd trip to the doctor, I decided to take back the Holiday and redeem the time no matter what.  because Christmas is not about books, parties or cards, or movies or devotionals or candy.I choose to choose Joy!The way you choose to get up and go to the gym.You might not see the effects immediately but by faith you make the choice to change.I am joyous because my husband strung Christmas lights for me.I am joyous to have money to buy  Christmas presents.I am joyous because my kids ask for their"Christmas sheets" and look forward to their Christmas Eve Jammies.I am joyous to curl up by the fire with my hubby who will watch "Its a Wonderful Life" with me!("Merry Christmas you ole saving and loan!!!)I am joyous to have kids who want to be with me! In the kitchen, in the car, IN MY BED!!!!I am joyous for little boys who skip.And big girls who still hold my hand at the mall.for immune systems that fight.for friends to laugh with.for laughter.for the gift of unconditional love.I choose joy because Christmas is not about books, parties or cards, or movies or devotionals or lights but a small miracle born in obscurity. A baby sent to save us because God knows things don't turn out perfect and we need help. So He sends hope, He sends joy.So I choose Jesus and the joyous celebration of His birth.I choose to not let things  get me down that hold no meaning or purpose . Life rarely goes how I plan it, or how I want it to but often when I surrender to Gods plan, it goes better!So I choose joy!Consider looking for peace and joy, salvation and miracles, in the places you least expect them.A King in a crib? Royalty in a barn? It's absurd! Miraculous! Possible!Receive Joy today. It is God's Christmas Gift to us!Merry Christmas!Luke 2:10-12  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”