Pure Joy

In one week, we will be celebrating Christmas. Packaging and bows will be scattered all over the living room floor and most of us will be in a candy cane stupor. This year, for most, will be a different holiday experience. Many will be celebrating only with immediate family and not getting to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Even with Christmas being different this year, you still can experience the joy of the season.

What does joy mean to you? According to Webster’s dictionary it means “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desire.” To me, joy is the purest form of happiness. It’s that moment when you feel complete peace and love. The purest form of joy comes from giving to others. Once you shift your focus to those around you, you will learn how to experience true joy.

Whether or not you are exactly where you want to be physically, mentally, financially…whatever you feel you are lacking in life…you can still experience pure joy. Take this holiday season to truly reflect on all the blessings you have been bestowed and then pass them onto others around you. Once you are able to shift your focus off of you and onto the people around you, joy will start to come into your life.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

This week’s recipe is a simple Greek salad with chicken. With all the rich foods of the holiday season, this salad is a welcome way to have a great tasting and healthy meal. I hope you enjoy it!

I have this message on a Christmas card and it seems fitting to end my article with it. I am not sure who originally wrote it, but I hope it touches you as much as it did me.

“May the meaning of Christmas be deeper, its friendships stronger, and its hopes brighter as it comes to you this year! May the season’s simple joys warm your heart, fill your home, and last a lifetime. May the light of our Savior’s love be with you at Christmas and always and all the happiness you could wish for.” Merry Christmas!