Joy

Last year we had a lesson in Relief Society about having joy during the holidays. The spirit of that lesson has stayed with me all year and I wanted to share it today. During this time of year we all try to think we are going about our daily activities with the true meaning of the season in our hearts, however, we find ourselves getting bogged down with the realities of life. Bills to pay, gifts to purchase, friends and relatives to see, baking to do, meals to prepare, decorating to be finished, etc. Before we know it we are stressed, frazzled, and frustrated with the holidays... having completely lost sight of the reason we are really celebrating Christmas. Thus we step back and question the true meaning of JOY.

Here is what we were encouraged to focus on....

J ~ Jesus
O ~ Others
Y ~ Yourself

If we stop and think of Joy in this manner it truly brings the spirit back into the season. "Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great JOY,which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

May the JOY of the season be with all of us not just today but everyday.