Tis The Season To Bring Joy and Light To The World
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
We sadly live in a world that is consumed with technology instead of human interaction, hate instead of love, and selfishness instead of caring or thinking of others.
Now that the Christmas season is here, we need to bring joy & light to those around us.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to shine God’s light. Along with filling ourselves with the joy of the Lord, so we can fill others with that same joy.
Christmas is my favorite holiday because of the birth of our Savior Jesus and for the season of giving.
Ways to Bring Joy and Light to those around you:
Homemade Christmas Cookies:
One of my favorite things I do every year, is to bake a lot of cookies for my neighbors and co-workers.
This year I am going to try to extend it by making more cookies to give to Police Officers, Firefighters, my mailman and Salvation Army bell ringers.
I make quite a variety of cookies from classic sugar cookies, chocolate chip, gingerbread men, peanut butter blossoms, etc. This simple act brings more joy then you might realize.
The look on the faces when they receive the cookies is priceless, followed by stories and memories. Homemade cookies warm the body, soul, and heart.
Along with the cookies, top them with a hand written note. A warm memory, a thankful heart, or your favorite bible verses.
This is also a way to grow relationships or mend them if needed.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthian 4:6
Toys for Tots or Toy Drive:
This is another favorite of mine. I love to volunteer to give out the toys.
I love to connect with the families and pray with them. Or just to simply hug and hold them. Tears of joy and relief fall from not only the kids eyes but the parents.
If you have a few extra dollars to spend, buying gifts for kids who might not receive any is a fantastic way to give back. With Toys for Tots, you just drop off a couple of new, unopened toys to a donation location.
My church does a huge toy drive for Christmas. Last year we gave out 10,000 toys. With most toy drives, you can shop for a specific child based on their age wish list.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
Psalm 5:11 NLT
Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a Soup Kitchen:
When you’re homeless, the holidays can be an especially lonely time even though you might be surrounded by other people.
Whether they’re homeless or financially can’t afford to buy groceries, the holiday season can be harder to deal with. Donating food to a food shelf or helping to serve dinner, talking, and chatting with the homeless is a fantastic way to give back and to make someone’s day.
Sometimes a simple smile is the best gift you can give someone. This one is very personal to me.
My senior year of high school, my family couldn’t afford groceries. We felt embarrassed and ashamed. Which isn’t right and there is no need to feel that way.
Salvation Army food shelf brought my family hope and light during that hard season.
And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it…
John 1:5
Reach out to a housebound neighbor:
One group of people who can easily be forgotten during the holidays is the elderly, especially those who may be shut ins.
When my grandparents were alive, they lived in a senior living & nursing home. We always celebrated Christmas there and I will never forget how many elderly were all alone for the holidays.
If you have a neighbor or church member like this, take them a holiday plate (be careful of sweets in case they can’t have them), help them decorate their home, or just have the kids draw them a special card.
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Let’s fill this world with love, joy and light!
Just like the classic Sunday school song, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, let shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
We as Christians need to let our light shine. Disconnect with your technology and focus on those around you, whether it be your parent, child, co-worker, spouse, neighbor, or stranger.
Lend a helping hand, offer a hug, or write a little note of love & thanksgiving.
Tis the season to bring joy and light to the world.
Yours Truly,
Megan
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