REJOICE!

REJOICE!

by

Christine Phillips

December 19, 2011

This is the Christmas season, the time of “peace on earth, and good will to all men.” Sometimes I find it hard to be cheerful during the holidays. I’ve been prone to depression all my life, and having rheumatoid arthritis in every joint in my body doesn’t make it any better. It’s with great effort that I muddle through the holiday season. It doesn’t take much to make me cry this time of year. I was making myself some Celestial Seasonings Sugar Plum Spice tea tonight when I read these quotes on the box:

“Whenever you feel the need or wish to cheer yourself, think about all of the good qualities of those who are around you -- the energy of one, for instance, the modesty of another, the generosity of a third, and some other gift of a fourth. For nothing is ever so cheering as the images of the qualities shining through in the character of those who live with us…Have these images then ever before your eyes.” -- Marcus Aurelius

“No one has a right to consume happiness without producing it.” -- Helen Keller

And here also is the Apostle Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:4-8 (NIV):

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.”

Whenever you see someone who needs some cheering up, especially around the holidays, don’t hesitate to do or say something to make them feel better. It will make a big difference and put a smile on that person’s face. And not only will you make them happy, you will find that you are happy, too. This is a great time of year to spread some holiday cheer. Give someone a reason to rejoice this Christmas!

I don’t know about you, but I feel better already just from sharing these quotes!