Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV

The REASON for the SEASON is truly a wonderful blessing to all of God’s Children. Our Heavenly Father provides us with everything we need to be happy and live life abundantly. Even before we can voice a need, HE has already made provision. I am in awe of HIS willingness to forgive and welcome us back into HIS Presence.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3 NIV

We can choose to dwell on the negatives, or we can choose to praise God for all of his benefits. We can thank God for the gift of our Savior (which is the reason for celebrating Christmas in the first place); for giving his Son to die in our place; for forgiving our sins; for the gift of eternal life; and for the blessed hope that we have of being reunited with loved ones who have gone on to heaven before us. That’s not counting everything else he gives to us, because every good gift comes from above.

Christians go through difficulties on this side of eternity, however, we need to remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that he is greater than the mountains in our lives. Therefore, every day is a day when we can give our challenges to the Lord and begin to count our blessings instead of our problems and our sorrows. I am learning to rejoice in all of my circumstances and want to give Our Heavenly Father praise for all things, even in the suffering and sadness which comes my way.

I choose to praise the Lord today, even through tears. As I bless the Lord and glorify his name, he will manifest his presence in my life, and this time of year will become a time of rejoicing in the true meaning of the season. Please pray for me as I pray for each of you. Jesus IS THE REASON for the Season.