About this episode
We've all heard the phrase “it's the most wonderful time of the year.” But is it true? Not for some of us. That's why Pastor Greg Laurie's offering us a Christian perspective on how to make this holiday season a joyful one. Don't miss this valuable, encouraging message. Notes There are more than 2,700 passages in the Bible containing words such as joy, happiness, pleasure, laughter, gladness, feasting, and celebration. God Himself is happy. Jesus said, “I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am.” 1. Remember the reason for the season. Christmas is the celebration of the happiest message of all time. The only real happiness you will find is in Christ, not in Christmas but in Christ, not in merriment but in the Messiah. “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.” —C. S. Lewis 2. If you want a happy holiday, spend time with loved ones. There is power when God’s people pray with each other. 3. If you want a happy holiday, be grateful for what you have. “In everything, give thanks for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” —Psalm 106:1 It is very easy to only want to give thanks when we feel like it; but according to Scripture, it is something the believer is to do regardless of circumstances. The Two Most Important Moments in a Person’s Life: When they are born and when they realize what they are born for. 4. Focus on giving instead of receiving this Christmas. “It is more blessed to give than it is to receive.” —Acts 20:35 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” —Proverbs 11:25 We give God our treasure. We give God our talent. We give God our time. Every morning, God deposits into your bank of time 86,400 seconds or 1,440 minutes, equaling 24 hours. Jesus’ summary of it all was, “Real life is not measured by how much we own; it is measured by who we know and what we do with our lives.” Remember the reason for the season. Spend time with loved ones. Be grateful for what you have. Focus on giving instead of receiving this Christmas. It’s not presents under a tree, but His presence in your life. Scripture Referenced John 15:11 Hebrews 10:24–25 Hebrews 13:15 2 Corinthians 9:7 2 Corinthians 9:8 Matthew 25:15 --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org . This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.