The Chara of Christmas

photos credit: Pexels

This fall I realized how much I like Christmas.  I used to get annoyed by the holiday ads begging for your money.  The self-centered kids writing letters to Santa begging for hundreds of dollars of useless stuff.  The flashy lights, crowded stores, and lack of focus on Jesus.

But this time, I saw more.  Or perhaps I see more, because I'm still learning.

Christmas draws people together.  Friends and family are reunited over long distances as they celebrate.  Strangers walk with a smile, and their faces light up with you offer a sincere, "Merry Christmas."  Lights deck the nighttime horizon making little children laugh and offering something to warm your heart in the midst of the night.

There's joy.

For those of you who are celebrating the advent season, the word of this week is χαρά.

χαρά - Chara (pronounced khar-ah'): joy, gladness, a source of joy

- Bible Hub

Joy is a beautiful part of a Believer's life.  It's not just a fruit of the Spirit that we long to have.  In Christ, we have Joy.

The book of Philippians describes true Joy.  It doesn't come through having everything we want - but through looking out for the interests of others (Phil. 2:3-4).  It doesn't come through gain - but through sacrifice (Phil 2:5-11).

The apostle Paul wrote,

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

- Philippians 2:17

Christmas is a time of joy, but does the joy last?  Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes like a breeze on the wind.  Joy is deeper - a heart attitude that lasts because of the hope we have in Jesus.

When we're scared, Joy says that Jesus is still strong.  When we face sickness or death, Joy assures us that Jesus is the worker of miracles and the keeper of our breath.  When someone betrays us, Joy holds us tight in Jesus' arms.

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love ... These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

- John 15:9-11

Chara is the decision to trust in darkness, believe in the storm, and love despite unfaithfulness.  Because Jesus is enough.

Recently I read a book about Christians during the time of Nero.  They were burned at the stake, thrown to wild beasts, and separated from loved ones forever.  But as they faced death and humiliation, they sang praise to God.  The martyrs looked past earth and up towards heaven where their Savior was awaiting them with a crown of glory.

It's easy to be happy in the beauty of Christmas.  Yet Joy is so much more.  It's something that will thrive during winter break and continue when school starts back up.  It will blossom during busy times and be strong when we are weak.

Christian joy is a profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jesus’ own life and love. 

- The Bible Project

Let's follow Philippians and "rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4)  Let's thrive in the promises of Christmas that Jesus loves us so much that He came to earth as a babe.  But when the new year comes, let's continue to praise God because "His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations" (Psalm 100:5).

God is always good.  You are always loved.

So let's rejoice!

(ps)  I was inspired to write this post because of a short film I watched about the meaning of Joy.  You can view it for yourself here, and I encourage you to do so:  Word Study: Chara - Joy

~♥~

The Solution to Everything

Let me tell you about myself.

I'm a writer who forgets to write.  I'm a blogger who posts a day late.  I'm a friend who forgets to pray and respond to emails.  I'm a sister who forgets to love and encourage my siblings.  And I'm a Christian who often feels distant, distracted, and discouraged.

That's the real me behind this blog.  I don't take perfect pictures or write flawless first drafts.  I don't pray without ceasing or live in constant unity with God.  I wish I did.

Last week I had the chance to share a verse with a struggling friend, and yesterday God turned it around to gaze straight in my face.

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

- 2 Peter 1:3 

The problem isn't what I don't have.  What really matters is that through Christ, I do have everything I need for life and godliness.  Try to tell me that's not amazing.

Life:  Through Christ, I can have joy no matter what comes my way.  I can love those around me despite their (and my) flaws.  I can exhibit the fruit of the spirit.  I can persevere and be faithful in what is good and turn away from what is evil or distracting.

Godliness:  Through Christ, I can abide in His presence and live with a heart of worship.  I can share my faith because His love overwhelms me.  I can be diligent in His Word, pray throughout the day, and lift His name to everyone around me.

I have everything I need.  Through Jesus.

When I was little, I learned this truth in a practical way that I try not to remember too often.  I faced the daunting task of washing an oatmeal pot.  Large families use big pots, and the oats were stuck to the side.  I cried.  It was impossible.  If I couldn't wash it in 10 minutes, how could I ever do it?

But afterwards, Mom took an embarrassing picture of me holding the same pot, now shining bright and clean.  My cheeks were stained from tears, but I learned the truth in Philippians.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:13

Don't miss the words at the end.  Through Christ.  It's all because of Him.  In and of myself, I can do nothing.  But through Christ, I can do all things.

Sometimes that means being joyful in the little moments.  Just now, I had the opportunity to pause and smile with my little sister as she stuck a pretend pig snout on her nose, then her head, then the hammock, and then on my own face.  Each moment counts; when we live them in His power and with His heavenly perspective, life becomes all the sweeter.  (this post was a sweet reminder to me this week.)

Instead of living a discouraged, half-lived life, I want to remember that I have everything I need for life and godliness.  I can do all things through Christ.  Let's not forget that.

I realize I shared most of this in my last post, but it's a constant reminder for me.  Being a Christian is a decision - a decision to live with and for Jesus Christ.  That's the best life we could live.

~♥~

Project Love || All Your Strength

Today I scrolled back to an early post where I asked for your input.  As I read through some of the responses, this one jumped out at me.

When I asked what area of life was hardest for you to love God with all, someone responded, 

Maybe with all my strength. I can easily be lazy and not want to give everything until I'm exhausted. I like to be comfortable and "just relax". It's hard for me to give everything until I have nothing left.

What do we do when we're exhausted?  When we want to relax instead of focus on God?  Is it ever wrong to take a break, and how do we press on when our strength is gone?

I don't have all the answers, and I hope you will share what you've learned about this area of life.   But recently I've been debating some of these questions.  We get so caught up in the western lifestyle that sometimes we forget that the Bible is the ultimate guide to life.  We have habits and norms that might even contradict what God's Word says.

One example of that is when we become comfortable.  Certainly being comfortable isn't wrong.  God has created a beautiful world for us to enjoy.  He created smells and tastes and sounds and colors.  Everything was made for His purpose and pleasure, and I believe He wants us to be thankful and enjoy the many gifts around us.

But we can't stop there.  We can only enjoy life rightly when we enjoy it to bring Him glory.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

- Psalm 100:4  (emphasis added)

We don't just have a thankful spirit.  We must also bless His name.

When we take comfort, pleasure, relaxation, or anything else too far, it becomes an idol in our lives.  And that means we are not loving God with all.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

- Deuteronomy 6:5 (emphasis added)

What happens when we don't have any strength?

One day recently, I wasn't able to have my quiet time after breakfast like normal because I went with my sisters and mom to town.  We had a fun girls' time together going shopping and doing other various things.  On that particular day, we went to adopt a cat from the animal shelter, and we drove home with the wonderful smells of a car-sick cat.  And then at home, I got together everything the cat needed, tried to introduce her to our other (not-so-friendly to newcomers) cat, and then finally came instead to eat.  I had a headache.

But the day was only half done.  I still had school to do, things to catch up on, and what about that Bible time I had missed earlier?

I was already exhausted.  I didn't want to read or think hard.  I just wanted a break.

What then?  It's not wrong to take a break.  Sometimes walking outside in the fresh air helps me recharge and get back to life with more vigor.  It give me focus and clarity.

But in other times, we have to press on.  We can't not read the Bible or pray or love others because we're tired.  Wanting a nap isn't an excuse to why we lashed out at our brother.

When we are at the end of our line and must press on, we can remember His loving promises.

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:31 

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness...

- 2 Peter 1:3

We have everything we need to press on.  We have everything we need to keep smiling and encouraging and loving others.  Through Christ, we can have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

God knows our weaknesses and limitations.  When Jesus was on earth, He often went to a secluded place to pray (Matthew 14:23).  Sometimes we also must take a break from life and refocus (preferably in prayer and in His presence).  But we cannot allow comfort to become our idol.

I have so far to go in mastering this area of loving God, but I've talked long enough.  Now I would be honored to hear from you!  How do you press on when you're exhausted?  How do we make sure that comfort is not an idol?  When do we take a break or trust God for strength to press on?

And if you're feeling tired or out of strength, remember His promises.  He will carry you on.  Keep trusting.

~♥~