Oh, that joy thing!

"If you feel joy in your heart, that is a good thing. If you are not yet a believer in what is the real reason for the season, that is okay. Lord willing, that will come sooner rather than later."

The other day, I was listening to a theologian on the news. He was talking about Christmas, and the unbeliever. He had an interesting take on that subject. Christmas, for those who believe in the birth of Christ, or those who only believe in a Santa Clause Christmas, most all of them, feel joy this time of year. Then came the nugget - let those who only believe in a Santa Clause Christmas experience that joy. For joy is a big part of what the real Christmas is all about.

What is it then, about this time of year? Sure, there are Scrooges, but they are few and far between. People seem to walk with a spring in their step, smile more, laugh easier, and long for family more. Yes, even if a family is as dysfunctional as Meathead's family was in the TV show, All the Family, people yearn for family this time of year.

The people on the news on TV are almost giddy. Neighbors, who you have not talked to since the first hard freeze, are free with their salutations and greetings. Even the UPS and Amazon delivery guys and gals, who are working their butts off this time of year, seem joyful. 

And that is mostly the adults I have been talking about. Now for the kids. Anyone else notice how totally excited, hanging off the ceiling excited, most kids are this time of year? Is it just the presents under the tree? No, but that is a big part of it. Our grandies have scrutinized every present which has their name on it - and some that don't. But it is more than just the presents. It is the magic of this time of year. Yes, even the family going to church together is a big part of it.

The Christmas tree is lit, the music comes from most every room, and the house is about as clean and clutter free as it can get. The stage is set for a wonderful, and festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration. The bonus we get this year as with last, our church is so full at Christmas time, we actually start on the day before Christmas Eve. This afternoon, the grandies will go to Grandma and Grandpa's church for a family Christmas service. It is going to be wonderful. Then we will come back home, open presents, and have a pre-Christmas Eve feast. And so it begins.

Back to this joy thing. If you feel joy in your heart, that is a good thing. If you are not yet a believer in what is the real reason for the season, that is okay. Lord willing, that will come sooner rather than later. Why do I say that? Because the reason for the season is always there. And when that reason is found, and truly recognized, the "joy meter" goes off the chart.

Before I finish, I want to note this aside. Just the other day, I read about Hulk Hogan. At Hulk's age (he is my age), he discovered the reason for the season. Hulk accepted Christ and was baptized. A Christmas miracle? Maybe. But when one is saved, no matter the age, Heaven roars. And that should give all of us joy.