Christmas, God brings joy like no others — Joan Clayton

What is it about this time of year that makes it different from any other? Why are our spirits lift to the sounds of “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World?” Why do friends and family seem just a little closer and our hearts turn toward home.

Could it just be that the Christ Child brings light and hope to a darkened world?

link Joan Clayton

Could it just be that “Christmas softens even the hardest heart? Why is that? It is because Jesus is the only hope. It may come as a shock to some, but the only way any of us will ever get out of this world alive. is through the Savior. He is the resurrection and the life.

Christmas happens in the human heart that is receptive. The birth of the Christ Child restores hope, a hope for the soul.

Christmas puts a sparkle in the eye of a resident in the rest home.

Christmas brings warmth of love to a lonely soldier far from home.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I think even “Scrooge” can be happy.

I love to hear Christmas carols playing. I love receiving Christmas cards and displaying them. I love the sights and sounds of Christmas. I love greeting and hugging people with a jolly “Merry Christmas!”

No matter how hard they try, they will never be able to take away Christmas for the human heart! Christmas comes only once a year but I look forward it. We have Christmas once again and we are reminded of God’s love. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

So let Christmas happen in your heart. Allow the joy of the season and stay all year long.

“Jesus is a time of cheer,

A time for loved ones to be near.

The Christmas tree. The stockings hung.

It’s time for carols to be sung.

For at this time we celebrate.

All year long we cannot wait

To observe that birth so long ago

That saves mankind from all its woe.

Let every heart be glad and sing

Our praises to the new born King.”

Oh, it’s just so wonderful. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus! He is truly “Joy to the World.” Let this wonderful time of the year bring you joy. Let the Prince of Peace give you peace. Tell him that you are so glad that he was born.

After all, it is his birthday!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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