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
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