Pain turned to Joy! Joy to the World!

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'” (Luke 2:8-14, ESV).

Mary birthed baby Jesus. Sometimes we don't think about the pain of it all. Childbirth is one of the most painful things that can happen to a body. Fortunately, the Scriptures skip right over it, and rightly so. No need to rehash the pain of it all. And Joseph didn't really escape it because he had to be right there listening and assisting during the process.

There is a lot of work that goes into Christmas. Whether we are hosting or visiting others, there is just much to do thrown in on top of a busy schedule. As I write this, I am feeling the physical pain in my back from it all. Somehow, I am sure I am not alone. There are some tired souls out there! My husband didn't miss the pain either. No telling how many side trips he has made just trying to keep us all together (Dana always has smile on his face as he charges out to conquer the next task.)

This season, let's don't let the joy end. Let's keep the good memories, toss out the bad ones with the trash, and turn the pain into joy! Let's focus on a loving God who sent His Son Jesus to show us how to live and to die so that we might have life!

Have a "Mary" Christmas!