If I had to choose, I would rather have Christmas joy than Christmas cheer.
Christmas joy is knowing the reason for the seasons even after Christmas. Christmas cheer is dazzling lights, carol singing, filling Christmas wishes, giving and receiving gifts.
Christmas cheer is for a season, but Christmas joy is for all seasons.
Christ is the reason for Christmas. And we are the reason for Christ.
God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, not as a present for one but as a present for the world. And in due time, Christ died to save us because we had no strength or means to save ourselves.
Without Christ, there would be no Christmas for you or me.
Christ is our Christmas! This being true, we have Christmas every day. Christmas is the joy of love and the spirit of Christ.
Charles Dickens said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
Isn’t it wonderful to have the joy of Christmas every day?
The word Christmas originates from the Old English term, Cristes Maesse, or the mass of Christ. Cristes Maesse refers to the Lord Supper, which is called the Eucharist.
Different counties celebrate Christmas different days. The Apostolic Church in Armenia observes Christmas on January 6. Some Orthodox churches in countries like Russia, Serbia, and Ethiopia celebrate Christmas on January 7.
There are many different Christmas traditions involving religious ceremonies, festivals, gift-giving, and decorations.
Did you know, Alabama was the first state to legalize the public observance of Christmas?
The law was supposedly adopted in 1836. Even though there is uncertainty about the year, 1836 is generally accepted by most historians. As a state holiday, Christmas in Alabama became a non-work day. It was a day to celebrate and be with family and friends.
Christmas is about family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Kudos to those legislators who are responsible for Alabama having another “FIRST” ranking.
Everyone knows Alabama is number 1 in football. Now you know Alabama was first to legalize Christmas cheer.
Which do you revel in, the joy of Christmas or Christmas cheer?
As children, Christmas is all about the cheer: Santa, toys, and new outfits. And ooh! the thrill of being out of school.
The Easy-Bake Oven and Twister were two popular toys during my childhood. Today, electronic gadgets are all the rage: computer tablets, cameras, headphones, etc.
As adults, the personal meaning of Christ’s is magnified and directs our lives from day-to-day.
Christ is the Word made flesh. His decent from heaven to earth, his death, and his resurrection proved his love for us. With Christ, our sins are forgiven, and salvation is free.
And Christmas is all about love.
Knowing the difference between Christmas joy and Christmas cheer, we can experience the joy and cheer of Christmas.
Actually, we can live like it’s Christmas and have the spirit of Christ throughout the year!
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near,
A little gift from one held dear.
Best wishes for the coming year.
These make a merry Christmas! ___John Greenleaf Whittier
Merry Christmas!