Celebrating the Light of ChristmasSmakprov

Add More Joy to Your Life

At Christmastime, a long to-do list, the demands of events and gatherings, and the awareness of time ticking away can turn the focus from the joy of the season to stress and frustration.

That’s when it’s important to remember some of Paul’s final words of encouragement: “Always be joyful” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Notice he phrases it here as a choice. Some people think they can only be joyful if everything in their lives is just so. But Paul says, not so!

Would others use the word joyful to describe you? Would you use it to describe yourself? If not, it’s time to give your day a shot of joy. Here are five ways to do it.

1. Add More Joy by Remembering Your Inheritance

You have a BIG inheritance filled with all kinds of wonderful blessings (Romans 8:17). So everything you need for your day is available to you—peace, health, healing, prosperity and success in every area of your life. God wants you to have it. That’s something to be joyful about!

2. Add More Joy by Focusing on God

When you “seek the Kingdom of God” and His way of doing things first (Matthew 6:33) and “set your mind on things above” (Colossians 3:2, NKJV), the concerns of this world won’t consume your mind. When you focus on God—His goodness, grace, mercy and love for you, you’ll tap into great joy! 

3. Add More Joy by Resisting Conflict

Instead of giving in to conflict this Christmas by yelling at that bad driver who cut you off on the way to work, joining in on the water cooler gossip about a difficult co-worker, or fuming over an inconsiderate neighbor, choose to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9). Think of the freedom and joy you’ll have by refusing to get wrapped up in strife!

4. Add More Joy by Remaining Thankful

It’s amazing how joyful you feel when you’re thankful. This week, start a 30-day gratitude journal and watch your joy jump sky-high!

5. Add More Joy by Caring for Your Body

The Word refers to your body as the “temple of the Holy Spirit.” That means you need proper sleep (7-9 hours), nutrition (limit processed food, sodas and caffeine) and exercise (30 minutes, five days a week, for example)—even during the busy Christmas season! All of these things affect your mood and a lack of any of them can result in feelings of discouragement and irritability.

Make adding joy to your life part of your Christmas plans this year. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Light of Joy—our King Jesus!