Glad Tidings of Comfort and Joy

It's that time of year again and the Christmas rush is upon us. It seems like as soon as the Labor Day picnic ends...it's the holidays! For some excited bunch, they're ready to hang the lights, while others want it to slow down. But sadly, for many, this time of year stirs up depression, anxiety and stress.

We know the devils consistent at being unruly, but he acts up even more during the holidays. After all, we are celebrating the birth of the Messiah. He's just trying to distract the world from those glad tidings of comfort and joy.  

Tidings are defined as: news, information, a report or a word. Well, on the night of our dear Saviors birth, God sent a heavenly host to announce the glorious news of the Christ child. The promised One had arrived - our Lamb of God, Redeemer, Lord and King was wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. This reminder of Gods eternal Gift entering the earth realm, has the enemy on the prowl. 

He hates the gospel, but there's nothing he can do about it. He can't change the course of eternity.

  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, 

but have everlasting life".  John 3:16

He came! And He still lives! He's everything God said He would be and more! We can rest in the truth of the amazing gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the Gift God sent.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace".  Isaiah 9:6

The next time you're tempted to stress in the season, just remember Who's on the throne. No amount of earthly goods will ever come close to the Gift of God. It's indescribable!

We don't have any reason to be depressed. Especially if we have loved ones who've passed on, we are joyous in the promise of eternal life. 

The devil's a liar, he's lost against God. As children of God we inherit Gods blessing! 

We have the Prince of Peace residing in our hearts and the Wonderful Counselour Who hung the stars. Things look very bright for us! 

I know it's tempting to get caught up in stress, but we don't have to take it. We can take the Gift of God instead. The next time you feel anxiety coming on, I want you to close your eyes and look for Jesus. 

Picture yourself unwrapping everything promised in Him. Smile and be comforted, because you are victorious! It's a guaranteed win. With God nothing shall be impossible!

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light, from now on your troubles will be out of sight, have yourself a merry little Christmas, make the yuletide gay, from now on your troubles will be miles away..."