It's that time of year again! Need I say more? The stores are already decked out for the dark days of December making them a beautiful sight to the eyes. How many Christmas songs come to mind about the holidays - snowfall, holly, Christmas trees, reindeer and jingle bells. An exciting time for many.
It also brings about a pressure to do it right, provide the best Christmas for the family and be joyful doing it all. For others, it is a time of mourning as they remember loved ones who have passed. Or, possibly they are dealing with heavy things themselves at the moment. It can be a learning time for us all. A time to hold on to our Christianity and the reason for the season. In whatever situation you find yourself, let's remember how God allows trying times, good and bad, to be a source of growth for us.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. —James 1:2-4
This verse from James jumped out at me the other day. You know, how sometimes you read the Bible and a verse or two really stands out? Patience can be difficult to attain. Some things are easier to handle with patience than others. And, sometimes, patience can be far away. There are so many factors that go into how near or far away we are from patience.
I like the Orthodox Study Bible (OSB) commentaries for verse explanations. For James 1:2-4, the OSB comment says "They [trials] are food for faith." Trials, big or small, can help nourish us to gain the patience required. When a trying situation occurs we need to keep our mind connected to our heart, where God resides. We are more likely to be patient in our situation if we keep connected to where "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us," (Romans 5:5b).
It is through trials and our patient, prayerful responses that we nourish and grow perseverance. And with continued diligence throughout our lives, a joyful hope can grow. St. Paul says:
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. —Romans 5:3-4
I'm not sure why the verses on trials and tribulations struck a chord with me that day. For the most part, life is pretty good in our first world environment. There are things that can come up in a day that are minor headaches and require patience. Or, sometimes, not so minor issues or long-standing trials that continue to work on feeding my perseverance! I try my best to live in Kairos time - God's time - which is this present moment. Through the love of God and His presence, there is much joy to be found in any situation.
Here's a random song that came into my mind the other day. Not really that unusual for me! (LOL) It's funny how things from way back in your past appear out of nowhere. Perhaps you are familiar with this catchy Sunday School song. I find it to be one of those songs that one easily sings along with and it stays in your mind. The simple words are also worthy of remembering:
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay.
And I'm so happy, so very happy
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart
And I'm so happy, so very happy
I've got the love of Jesus in my heart!
May these words resonate and encourage you. May you have joy, love, and peace during this Nativity Season, whatever your personal situation. My hope and prayer for you is that you can tap into the Love of Jesus down in your heart!
In Christ's Love,
Dana / Paisia
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
