Choose Joy this Christmas

A few years ago, Think Finance, a provider of payday loans, did a survey of 1,000 Americans and found that 45% of them would prefer to skip Christmas. These folks were sick of spending too much money on gifts. And you know, I know a lot of people who feel stressed out at Christmastime. Whether it’s related to finances, traveling, or difficult family matters, studies show that rates of anxiety increase around the holiday season. But as you’re listening today, I have news for you. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Bible tells us that Christmas should be a time filled with great joy. In Luke 2:10-11, the Bible says that, “…the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. This year, as Christmas approaches, I encourage you to focus on Jesus. Whatever your needs are this holiday season, and whatever is stressing you out, give it all to the Lord. Trust that Our Savior, who came into this world as a little baby, is there for you now as the resurrected Man. He loves you! Tell His story and share this joy with everyone you know. This is Luis Palau.