It’s impossible to ever experience true lasting joy if your joy is placed in the markets, especially given what we’ve all been through in recent months. Your portfolio will frustrate you under any conditions, actually, and destroy your joy if it’s meshed with the markets, even during a rip-roaring period like 2010.
True lasting joy is found, however, in God and in the peace that only He can bring. We pray this Christmas that as many people as possible around the world will discover this true lasting joy and the “Reason for the Season”.
Remember, happiness is different than joy. Happiness rests on circumstances, and circumstances in our lives always change – every single day in fact, just like the markets. You can be unhappy about something, however, but still have joy and peace in your heart. Joy is rooted in God, and He never changes. Nor does His love.
Every December, we celebrate the coming of God to Earth in the form of a baby named Jesus. In His coming, God’s kingdom came to earth. This is a season when gifts are wrapped and given out to friends and loved ones as a blessing from the giver to the receiver. God gave His one and only Son to the world as a gift, that whoever shall receive Him shall have eternal life. The gift has been given to all but one must receive Him. My hope and prayer is that this Christmas is a restful, peaceful time when all can spend time resting in the love of Jesus. Jesus came as a personal gift for each of us. We just have to receive Him.
Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
From my home to yours, my wife and I wish all a very Merry Christmas. May you be surrounded by the love of Jesus this Christmas season, and experience true lasting joy and peace.
Terry Dyer, Owner
“Reason for the Season”..something to really think about during the holidays.Thanks Terry.
Comment by Greg J. — December 25, 2014 @ 2:58 pm