Emotional swing...

One day while I was out running errands I was listening to Christmas songs on the radio; one Christmas song after the , “Have...Emotional swing...

One day while I was out running errands I was listening to Christmas songs on the radio; one Christmas song after the , “Have
Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, Mary, Did You Know”, “It’s Beginning to
Look a lot Like Christmas”,  “O Holy
Night”, “Silent Night”,  etc... I was
feeling the joy and excitement of the season. On and on the “Merry Christmas”
music played until the “news” came on.
Then everything shifted….what once was blaring
Christmas joy was now blaring one tragic event after the other. That particular
day and time this was the news---a woman was arrested for trying to kill her
own kids by scalding them, a man was mugged and shot by three females over
marijuana, another man killed his ex-girlfriend’s dog, shot her and then shot
another woman as he hi-jacked her car.
Instantly my emotions swung from feeling the joys of
Christmas to feeling the despair of the world. 
Then almost immediately The Lord quickened my spirit and asked me,
“Which one are you going to focus on, The Good News of the Savior or the tragic
“news” of the world.  In this life you
will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”.
As I thought about this I realized that I can do
NOTHING to change the tragedies of these people but I can pray and I can
determine to make a difference in the lives of those around me by sharing the
Good News of the gospel.
Tragedy, misfortune and heartbreak happen every
day!  But that should NOT be our
focus.  When we focus on the works of the
enemy it only leads to despair, depression and hopelessness.  When we focus on the Good News of Jesus and
His finished work on the cross, we are freed from the bondage of worry, stress,
despair, gloom and doom!
Jesus said, “The thief comes to kill, steal and
destroy; but I have come that they may have life and life to the fullest!”  He came into this world not only to prepare
us for heaven but to empower us to live a blessed, full life this side of
heaven.
This Christmas season don’t allow the cares of this
world choke out the Joy of Jesus. Don’t get caught up in worrying, hurrying and
scurrying trying to find the perfect gifts. 
Focus on the Perfect Gift, Jesus, the real reason for the season and the
Giver of all good gifts!
To God be the glory… Show more