We attended a church for a few months that had friendly members and meaningful worship.  When holidays roll around, we notice that something’s missing.  As in nothing observed!  No Veteran’s Day.  No Easter.  No Thanksgiving.  And, to cap it all off, no Christmas!

I understand the reluctance to embrace a materialistic and pagan Christmas.  I agree.  But no carols, no Christmas Eve candlelight service, and no ‘Merry Christmas’ greetings to one another in church?   Joy seems somewhat banned and barred.  Whatever happened to ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’?

And why use a text from Ecclesiastes for this Christmas devotional?  Crazy me?  No comments, please!  After all, these Ecclesiastes’ verses speak of joy and relishing all of God’s gifts.  Simply reveling in everything.  Your spouse and family.  Friends and church family.  Vocation and avocations.

Not to win God’s approval.  No.  For that’s been given, which is the Christmas story, isn’t it?  ‘For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son…’ (John 3:16).  And Ecclesiastes 9:7–‘Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.’

Cease buttering up God.  He doesn’t need it.  He’s given us His all when Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  The lost who become found in Him.  That’s you and me, by the way!  Heartfelt, ecstatic thanks most appreciated by the Lord.

This Christmas season, let’s have no end of joy.  Don’t let naysayers throw cold water on what’s obviously wonderful.  As in God giving us His only Son, approving of us, forgiving and loving us, all because of what Jesus did on the cross.  See what I mean?  Have joy?  Uncontained?  Of course!

For all the joy you bring to this world, we thank you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.