"When they saw the star, they rejoiced." (Matt. 2:10

Today, look around you and take note of all the blessings that you presently enjoy, but you take for granted, and thank God for them. Also, reach out to those around you who have contributed to your blessings and thank them.

"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great." (Matt 5:12a)

 “In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (2 Thess. 5:18)

"The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things - the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less.”  - Joseph B. Wirthlin

"And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." (Luke 2:8)

Christmas Cheer!

Christmas Cheer is a mindset regarding Christmas. We create an atmosphere of Christmas around us by expressing Christmas joy about the birth of Jesus and what His birth means to the world.

This is the most wonderful news of all time!

I once hated Christmas

Spreading “Christmas Cheer” was extremely difficult, even almost impossible, for me because I hated Christmas! When the first trappings of Christmas appeared, I would go into a deep dark depression. By the time Christmas arrived, I could hardly get out of bed. I dreaded the holiday season each year. You may wonder how I had gotten like this. I'm sure it was from what happened to me as a child during the holidays. Growing up in the foster care system in the old days was very different than it is now. I won't go into details, but that was part of what affected me.

A powerful sermon explained what happened to me

One Sunday at the beginning of the holiday season, I heard a sermon from my pastor which changed how I felt during Christmas time. He said the holiday season is difficult, even painful and depressing, for some people. He said it is often caused by traumatic experiences which have happened during the holidays. Perhaps it was the death of a spouse, parent, or child. Or there was abuse or some other negative event which triggered sadness or depression during the holidays.

Do something to change how you feel in the future

He said we can't change or control what has happened in the past, but it is possible to change the future! We can build new memories to associate with the holiday season. New positive memories can change how we feel in the future during the holiday season.

A light went off in my head!

It was the first time anyone had suggested a solution to my problem. He said, “Nothing changes, until something changes!” He suggested a few practical things to do.

I decided to create new wonderful memories attached to Christmas. At first I forced myself to do holiday things. I did only a few little things that first year, but each year I added a few more things. My “to do” list grew, and so did my enjoyment of the holidays. My depression became a thing of the past.

• I helped decorate our Christmas tree.
• I looked for ways to help others.
• I bought and wrapped Christmas presents.
• I listened to Christmas music.
• I went for drives with my wife to see Christmas lights.
• I went to the mall to see the decorations.
• I went to my children's Christmas programs.
• I started saying “Merry Christmas.”
• I sent Christmas cards.
• I put decorations on our house.
• I went to the church bazaar.
• I went Christmas caroling.
• I watched Christmas movies with my wife.
• I wore a Santa hat and “ugly sweaters.”

Over the years, with all the new memories associated with Christmas, it has become my favorite time of the year.

I’ve discovered a huge bonus related to the season: it’s a wonderful time to share the good news of why we are celebrating!

The first ones to spread Christmas Cheer

In the Christmas story in Luke 2:8, angels, the heavenly host, and the shepherds reacted to the birth of the Savior. They were the very first ones to spread Christmas Cheer!

“And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people. For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8)

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'” (Luke 2:13-14 NIV)

“When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.” (Luke 2 :17 NASB)

“And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." (Luke 2 :20 NASB)

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Col. 3:13)

Forgive freely as God has forgiven you!

Forgive those, especially family members, who have hurt or harmed you in any way. Forgive as God has forgiven you!

I was afraid for my big brother

When I was 10 years old, my older brother, David, who was 12, would hot-wire the pickup while our dad was at work and go for joyrides. I was afraid for him and was sure he would have an accident and be killed.

One particular time I remember begging him not to do it and tried to get between him and the truck to prevent him from leaving. But he kicked me and left me crying on the ground as he drove away. After that moment I felt differently about him and we were never close after that.  Many years went by and we rarely spoke to each other. When I did speak with him, or even thought of him for that matter, I would feel that old familiar pain of that incident of so many years earlier.

Then, while attending a conference, the speaker spoke passionately about the need to forgive others, especially family members who may have hurt us. He said unforgiveness can spill over into other relationships if not dealt with. He invited us to remember any past incidents, and then take care of them.

I remembered what happened with my brother and called him. I reminded him of the incident but he had no memory of it. I asked him to forgive me for holding a grudge against him for so many years. He wept and said, “Yes! I do forgive you, but only if you will forgive me, too?”  “Of course I will!”, I said.

A heavy weight had been lifted and I was filled with joy. After that, David and I were great friends again! It is wonderful what the power of forgiveness can do!

Eventually, David asked me to explain to him how to receive Christ. After sharing with him, he prayed to invite Christ into his life. That brought us even closer.

Reasons to forgive others

• Forgive others because it restores broken relationships

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matt. 5:23-24)

• Forgive others because God will then forgive you

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt. 6:14-15)

• Forgive others without limit because Jesus said that is the right thing to do

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” (Matt. 18:21-22)

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence.” (Isaiah 45:25-26)

Today is December first. Each day leading up to Christmas, I will suggest a special Christmas gift for you to give on that day, beginning with the fist one today, and ending on Christmas Day.

Today’s gift is for yourself!

This first gift is wonderful and powerful. In fact, it could even be the most important Christmas gift you will ever give to anyone because of its potential to affect not only you, but also others near you! Let me explain what I mean with the following illustration that I gleaned from years of traveling on commercial airlines. During pre-flight instructions, the flight attendant usually instructs you, (during a cabin pressure emergency), to place the oxygen mask on yourself first, then you will be in the position to help others near you. The point is, you cannot adequately help others near you while you are struggling yourself. The same thing can be said about other areas of your life.

Not easy, but necessary!

Dealing with your own issues isn't always easy, especially if you've made some big mistakes you deeply regret. You may have repented (turned away from them). You may have asked and gotten forgiveness from others you have hurt or offended, but you may not have been able to forgive yourself. And, truthfully,  if you haven't forgiven yourself, you are not in a healthy position emotionally to help others. This is where today's gift comes in.

Forgive yourself and move forward!

Today, on December first, give yourself the gift of forgiveness! That’s right, choose to forgive yourself!

Reasons to forgive yourself

• Forgive yourself because God forgave you first

When you ask for God’s forgiveness based upon Christ having already paid for your sins and your having trusted in Him as Savior and Lord, He forgives you. It is as simple as that. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

• Forgive yourself because you are a new creature in Christ

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Cor. 5:17 KJV)

• Forgive yourself because you are free to move ahead

At first, guilt can be a healthy emotion to alert you to the fact that you have made mistakes, and you need to make some necessary changes. But, if you hang on to feelings of guilt after repentance and after making needed changes, it can become an unhealthy emotion, keeping you trapped emotionally in the past, and it can keep you from moving on with your life as you should. The Bible says, “Whom the Son, sets free, is free indeed!” (John 8:36)

• Forgive yourself because failing to do so will blind you spiritually

Not forgiving yourself will cause you to see things through the eyes of guilt, shame and condemnation. It will ruin your faith, and cause you to go blind spiritually: "But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." (2 Peter 2:9)

 Follow Jesus' example

So, just as Jesus Christ forgave you, do the same and be kind and tenderhearted with forgiveness to yourself. Then, go do the same for others!

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32)

“Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matt. 10:8b)

God's love has been poured into our hearts! 

“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Rom. 5:3-5)

Character

Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Character is one of the most important things you have. It is what people see in you, what people say about you, and what defines you. It’s what people will say about you after you die.

A person of good character walks in integrity

“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways." (Prov. 28:6)

“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” (Psalm 15:1-5)

A person of good character treats others well

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Col. 3:12-15)

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35

Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. - Dennis Prager

“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.” (Phil. 4:8)

Guard your heart! 

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23)

The Bible says that “we are what we think about.” (Prov. 23:7). That is why it is important to be careful what we put into our minds; the kind of TV shows and movies we watch, what we read and even the musical lyrics we listen to. It all becomes a part of our thinking and affects us negatively or positively. What goes into our mind will eventually affect our opinions, our attitudes, and our behavior in some way. You have to be careful to guard what goes in because everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23)

Take captive every thought

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5)

Think about good things!

You may believe that you are responsible for what you do, but not for what you think. The truth is that you are responsible for what you think, because it is only at this level that you can exercise choice. What you do comes from what you think. - Marianne Williamson

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103:1-5)

Seven benefits to remember

Yes, we should remember God’s many wonderful benefits, and there are many! The above passage reminds us of seven of them to remember:

1)  He pardons all your iniquities.

2)  He heals all your diseases.

3)  He redeems your life from the pit.

4)  He crowns you with lovingkindness.

5)  He crowns you with compassion.

6)   He satisfies your years with good things. And,

7)  Your youth is renewed like the eagle.

These benefits are good reasons to “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

“Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him!” (Isaiah 30:18

Gracious because of His covenant

“But the LORD was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them or cast them from His presence until now.” (2 Kings 13:23)

Gracious and slow to anger

“The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.” (Psalm 145:8)

Gracious and righteous

“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.” (Psalm 116:5)

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 6:13)

 Our hearts sprinkled clean!

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22)

He guards what You have entrusted!

“For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Tim. 12)

God has given us eternal life!

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (2 John 5:11-13)

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.”  (Rom. 8:16)