A holiday reflection

One of the beautiful things about the holiday season is that it allows for time set-aside time for hope, peace, love, and joy. 

Hope is brought forth through activities to look forward to: baking Christmas cookies, holiday concerts, and all the collective busyness of the season.

Peace is brought through the shimmering snowflakes drifting through the air, the glistening holiday lights, the beauty of a familiar hymn that just meditates so closely to the heart, the gathering of family and friends throughout the season, and the joy shared in those moments.

Love is shared among all the festivities throughout the season, like caroling, crafting holiday gifts, shopping for loved ones, and putting up Christmas lights, among many other possibilities. 

Joy is found in togetherness. This makes the good news of the holiday season spread so fast and the season so special. While the cold, dark, and gray so often can bring us down, the joy supplied by the season, especially the gift of a savior born on Christmas Day, spreads fast. 

Sharing this joyful news through collectively gathering loved ones together for Christmas tree lightings, singing music at Christmas concerts, and more—these all are what bring the joy out of the season.

The holiday season also allows everyone to take a step back, listen to some beautiful music, and embrace the warmth of the season amidst the potential cold, dark, and gloomy winter.

Change up what exists in your life and heart, and use the season to bring about a different kind of joy to that which you are used to.

During this beautiful season, take a moment to gather with friends and family and to remember the true reason for the season.

We all have different reasons to celebrate the season, but do it and enjoy the vibrancy of the holidays. I personally enjoy spending the season with my family, friends, and the beautiful music that is appropriate for this time of year. I enjoy the calming, heart-warming tunes of familiar hymns such as “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and others.

As the days get shorter and the sunlight grows shorter, know that the light of the season is here. It will continue to grow larger and larger, brighter and brighter.

Take a moment to soak it up and embrace it. Change up what exists in your life and heart, and use the season to bring about a different kind of joy to that which you are used to. Play some music, decorate the home, and feel the vibrance of the season to brighten up your world!