HAPPY HOLIDAYS - MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

These three greetings have one thing in common: you are wishing someone else happiness and joy. They’re very unselfish words that can uplift another’s moment with joyfulness. And it will make you, the greeter, happier as well.

Cheerful greetings are used mostly around the holidays, but are appropriate at any time. Saying anything from “Have a nice day,” to “Nice to see you,” may encourage another person and will lighten your load too; especially if it’s said with a smile.

But a friendly word around Christmas is most important. Many folks are less than merry around this time of year. Memories from past holidays about family problems, loved ones lost, financial pressures, health issues – all detract from the joy of the season.

And joy is what Christmas is all about: the joy of giving and receiving; the joy of remembering the good times, the joy of counting our blessings, the joy of being alive, and the joy of God’s gift of joy for each of us.

The Bible, through which God has revealed Himself to us, informs us that God is full of joyfulness. The word “joy” and its synonyms are found in over 400 verses in both the Old and New Testaments. God wants me to be joyful and He wants you to be joyful – at Christmas and all year long.

When Jesus was born the angel greeted the shepherds with words of joy, “I bring you good tidings of great joy.” Why? It was because the Savior had arrived on earth as a baby, and He would grow up to fulfill His mission of salvation for all who believe. It is His birth that brought “Joy to the World.”

It was then Christ’s life and teachings that implemented the opportunity for joy to all of us. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” His words bring joy, as do His death and resurrection.

When the disciples saw Jesus just before His ascension back into Heaven, Luke 24:52 says, “And after worshiping Him they returned to Jerusalem with great joy!”

When we’re missing joy in our lives, which may happen more than we’d like, we can ask God for the joy He promises to give us.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

MILLSTONE APPLICATIONS

Millstones have been used for several millennia for grinding grain to make bread. The stones for the hand grinding just weighed a few pounds, but as grist mills became common the stones could weight over half a ton. Millstones are still in use today for grinding grain, coffee, and other items. They are made of hard rock like granite or made of synthetic materials. Although most today are made in factories, some are still formed by hand – an obvious time-consuming procedure.

Millstones have also been used as weapons, with records of some being dropped from fortress walls on invading armies. When you’re being attacked, any weapon will do. They were also used as collateral for loans, but this practice was discouraged in the laws of Moses. Today, however, most antique stones are used as garden decorations.

One of the more illustrious applications for the millstone is a form of Divine punishment.  In the Gospels, Jesus said that it would be better for a person to have a millstone hung around his neck and be cast into the sea, rather than to cause a child to stumble.

Children are especially vulnerable to adult abuses, both physical and emotional, and most of us would agree that such awful treatment of a child deserves the worst punishment.

Sadly, there are those today who are causing children to stumble spiritually. Some examples are those who make movies and TV shows that are harmful to kids; teachers who do not teach God’s truths; or the Secretary General of the UN who is scaring youth with his idiotic projection of climate apocalypse; and those forcing gender changes on the young.

Only God knows the future of our climate, not the United Nations nor any politician. God has promised that the seasons will remain as long as the Earth exists. Although Mr. Guterres is Portuguese and possibly a Catholic, he obviously doesn’t believe God’s promises.

But do you? Regardless of your age, don’t let the climate fear mongers cause you unnecessary emotional stress. And please reassure the children in your life that God is taking care of the Earth as He promised He would.

Sadly, these extreme climate warnings are causing what Psychologists are calling “ecoanxiety.” Some have said it results in kids having suicidal urges, and can you blame them? They’ve heard the warnings: “10 years to go; 12 years before the end.” What a terrifying prospect to the younger generation.

I suspect that God is sizing the millstones now for those guilty of causing these children to stumble.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON