Ignite Your Christmas Joy

Every December, we hear people talk about Christmas magic, Holiday Joy, and the warm, intangible feeling that makes the season so special. I’ll be honest - I’m here for  it.  I believe that eggnog literally tastes like Christmas Joy in a cup and I’ve spent the past 15 Christmases like a nostalgia detective learning exactly how to maximize the experience.

I often catch myself pondering why we chase it so hard - I can’t help but notice that the vast majority of people who embrace Christmas activities tend to feel elevated peace, joy, and love during this season.  Wait a minute …those are all fruit of The Spirit!!  Is Jesus joining us in the celebration of His birthday month with party favors supplied by The Holy Spirit?

So here’s the working theory: Could it be that Christmas is the one time of year when we align our lives—individually and collectively—closer to the value system Jesus modeled? - Let’s investigate.

During the Christmas season, our priorities subtly shift. We live differently, and the changes align remarkably with the way Jesus taught us to live:

Jesus teaches us to value Generosity and Thoughtfulness. Give and it will be given to you.  A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

This time of year we take time to think about others, crafting meaningful gifts and extending kindness, often to people we might overlook the rest of the year. My mind is forced to edge out some worrying about my personal goals and dreams to make room for the energy spent on: What might other people consider special and how can I provide it?  It redefines success and frankly generates peace.

Prioritizing Relationships Over Ambition: Love the Lord you God with all your heart mind and soul - and love your neighbor as yourself

My family has a tradition of playing beach volleyball at El Porto in Manhattan Beach the morning of Christmas Eve - 100’s of people know that this time and location will be honored.  That way you can count on it as an anchor point for relationships that may fall prey to work schedules or other priorities the rest of the year.  Traditions like this are a reflection of Jesus’ teaching that relationships—both with God and with others—are the most important aspect of life.  My brain says, “Hey, you can use this time to get a head on work to reach your goals faster.” Then I get to reply, “I can’t, it is Christmas Eve Volleyball Day.”  Just like that  - priorities re-ordered thanks to the additional leverage provided by the season.

Compassion for the Suffering: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.

Many of us feel a heightened awareness of those in need during this season. Charity spikes during December, as people are moved to give to the homeless, the hungry, and the lonely. This compassion mirrors Jesus’ heart for the poor, the broken, and the marginalized.  That might bother you a little …why the spike and not consistent giving?  Fair question …but also my point exactly.  During Jesus’ birthday month, we get a TASTE of what life WOULD BE LIKE if we lived it the way He suggests.

Worship is EVERYWHERE: Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs

Restaurants, malls, radio, grocery stores, people’s homes …they’re all playing Christmas carols.  Even celebrity artists make Christmas albums where they are worshiping Jesus, quoting scripture, and singing of the power of the gospel. The season draws our attention, consciously or unconsciously, to the coolest reality - that God is with us!!  That HE. WAS. IN. THE. WORLD.

Miracles and Joy: Jesus says if you don’t believe in me, then at least believe in the miracles I do that you may know that the Father is in me and I in Him.

The basic Christmas movie formula (A formula I LOVE by the way) is pretty simple  - there will be Christmas miracles and all you have to do is believe in the face of doubt. Does that sound familiar at all?  Christmas stories are filled with the miraculous—from unlikely reconciliations to magical transformations. This reflects a core truth of Jesus’ message: the kingdom of God is a place of wonder, joy, and the miraculous breaking into the ordinary.  He tells us to live in expectancy like “whoever says to this mountain, be taken up and thrown in the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, it will be done for him.”  It’s just a little bit easier in this season when belief is valued a bit more than usual.

Forgiveness and Gratitude: Therefore whatever you ask in prayer believe you have received it and it will be yours.  And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone.

We often soften during Christmas. Grudges feel more like a waste of energy, and forgiveness seems easier. Gratitude flows as we reflect on the blessings of the year. These attitudes align perfectly with the life Jesus invites us to live—one marked by forgiveness, humility, and thanksgiving.

The reason this season feels so joyful is simple: when we choose to live out Jesus’ value system, the natural outcome is peace, joy, and love. These are the fruits of aligning our hearts with God’s ways. The deeper truth behind the “Christmas magic” is that it’s a glimpse of the life we’re invited to live.

It’s no wonder we sing songs about wishing every day could feel like Christmas. When we align our lives with the values of generosity, compassion, connection, gratitude, and faith, we experience the peace and joy that Jesus came to bring.

Look - I’m not going to talk about living this way all year long.  I just want you to understand what is under the hood of “Christmas Joy” so that if you feel like the calendar days keep slipping by and it hasn’t shown up for you yet, you know exactly what to do about it…

Do what Jesus said - come on!!!  It’s His Birthday

Pay this with me:
Jesus, any plans I have this Christmas, I put them aside for Yours.  Happy Birthday!!