"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
For all the good it represents, Christmas often seems to remind us how off the world is from what we know it should be. The presents, parties, and partridges in a pear tree only distract us for so long before our hearts and minds are drawn to seeing the egg nog glass half-empty.
It's easy to look at all that is wrong with the world (and in our own world), isn't it? It's increasingly difficult to keep a spirit of gratitude as the worries and cares of the world cause it to so effortlessly wither. Recognizing how easily our heads drop in anxiety and worry, Paul places his finger under our lowered chin and lifts it to offer us the loving double exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord always."
Rejoicing takes intention; it takes work to keep our eyes firmly fixed on holy light amidst the dimming influence of holiday hurry and worry. Allow Paul's words to lift your chin and compel you to offer a word of adoration to Christ, helping sustain in you the joy of the Lord.