The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Jingle bells, jingle bells.

The guests are waiting at the door,

While the holly scented candle spills wax upon the floor.

Chestnuts roasting in the microwave.

Struggling with assembly that's required.

But the batteries are not included.

The tree is getting dry.*

 

I've always found this to be one of the funniest Christmas songs, but the funniest part about it is, it's realistic!

One statement that has been jumping out at me this Christmas season is "The most wonderful time of the year!" The other night that song "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" started to play on the radio and my dad changed the station. He said he wasn't so sure about that song, because he likes summer! (I have to agree with him about summer!)

I keep hearing and reading this statement and thinking, I like all year.
As a child I LOVED Christmas! To me it was The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
When I got older I found Christmas not feeling the same anymore. I assumed it was because I became an adult and the presents weren't such a big deal. But the truth is my joy changed. My joy used to be found in sweet treats, warm and fuzzy feelings, holiday traditions, and gifts! Anything that made me feel good. 

I used to find joy in my circumstances, and when the Christmas hype was over I was disappointed.
Today I find my joy in the Lord. So I find joy at work, when I write, when I serve, when I give... I find joy all year long.

I find joy in watching and listening to my sisters play.

 

I find joy in watching the kids all day.

 

I find joy in teaching a Bible lesson.

And I find joy in their remembrance of it.

 

I find joy in helping a little bird.

 

I find joy in a good 4th of July pie fight!

I find joy in close cuddles.

I find joy in hiking with friends!

I find joy in a little girl and her prize bag.

I find joy in family walks...

and family picnics!

I find joy in backyard fishing!

I find joy in my morning walks.

I find joy in watching my little sister using her hands.

I find joy in family parties!

I find joy in a good rain storm.

I find joy in making bread and grinding coffee with my little buddies.

I find joy in watching John watch tv! :-D

I find joy in new adventures.

I find joy in spur of the moment backyard BBQ's!

I find joy in building wooden kits with my younger siblings.

I find joy in helping my mom.

I find joy in seeing my brother wearing his Superman suit!

I find joy in family scooter walks at the park.

I find joy in playing Legos with my siblings.

I find joy in cleaning up a BIG mess with my sisters.

I find joy in helping my little brother build his first ginger bread house.

 

I find joy in watching my little sister dress up the newel post!

 

I find joy in watching my brothers and sisters make a mess in flour!

And I find joy in cleaning that mess up when their done.

 

I find joy in the fact that my family now takes up almost an entire row at church!

 

And I find joy in my little brother Aaron who has yet to come home to us.

 

 The "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for me isn't the Christmas season... it's everyday. Not because everyday is easy or always "fun", but because the Lord's mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness never fails. His love is everlasting! His peace passes all understanding. And His joy is my strength.

My Christmas is just a little bit different

My dear Jesus, a hope that never dies.

And December's cares seem a little more distant,

knowing He has overcome the world.*

 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33     * My Christmas by Brett Williams & In Reach. On the Album: Celebrate the Gift By Twila Paris & Friends.