Merry Christmas!

I suppose someone will read this sometime before December 25.
May this season be joyous. Let God remind you of the reason for the coming of His Son, our Savior, whose birth we celebrate - that is the best cause for joy!
May you have time to share with family. Have fun with your children. Talk to your siblings, parents and other relatives, recalling good times and reminding one another about how God "sent His only begotten Son."
I would love to think my sons, Scott and Tim, with their families, Katie and Martigan, and Kristin and Sophie, would see this ... "I love you all and pray your Christmas is wonderful."
I will talk to you (and text you) and make this more personal. Besides which, I cannot be certain you will read this.
Many of us have to truly rely on the grace of God to thoroughly celebrate. Heartache haunts us in numerous ways: we lost a loved one to death, we live far from family and have only the unsatisfying electronic media through which to communicate or sickness, poverty or some other trouble is on our heals and worming their ways into our hearts.
While we live in this world, there is no guarantee that tribulation won't touch us. As those who trust in Jesus, we have God's strength on which to rely, His joy to strengthen us, His peace to surround us and comfort us.
I believe ... and have experienced its reality ... that God's love and mercy are tangible.
He may send someone to physically be with you and provide emotional support. At the other end of the spectrum, God often reveals through His word an amazing sense of comfort.
Anyone who views me from the outside (as most of us see others around us, oblivious to what is going on inside them), may think I haven't a care in the world. It's Christmas, and I have everything one could want to make the season joyful.
I am RICHLY blessed, but I am human. I have lacks that may not be obvious but exist nonetheless.
Do I expect to have a blast this year? Yes! I could be wrong ... something could go awry. But the joy of the season is Jesus.
Secondarily, we get joy from family and friends.
And we can share happy experiences ... good worship, caroling, parties, dinner, watching "The Nativity Story,"  "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Miracle on 34th Street" (NOT "A Christmas Story") and, yes, football.
Even giving and getting gifts can be great ... if you steel yourself for the potential for disappointment when all you wanted from Christmas doesn't satisfy when you get them.
Be happy with the perfect gift ... Jesus.