Joy Is an Attitude, Not a Perfect Circumstance

It’s easy to let stress and unmet expectations steal our joy. The holidays can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of demands and distractions, leaving us overwhelmed and out of sorts. Maybe you’re stressed out and overwhelmed, feeling the weight on your shoulders. But joy is more than a feeling, it’s actually a choice. It’s a choice we can make everyday, because it’s an attitude we carry, even when things don’t go the way we planned. I know it’s not always easy, but the mornings I choose to have joy, the better my days are. 

Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem was anything but ideal. Facing exhaustion, uncertainty, and the challenge of finding no room in the inn, they could have easily succumbed to frustration. Yet, they chose faith and trust over despair. They leaned into God’s plan, even when it was hard to understand. Their story teaches us that true joy doesn’t come from perfect circumstances but from knowing that God is with us—just as He was with them in Bethlehem. We can find joy in the season we are in.

Practical Tip: When your day starts to feel overwhelming, pause and reflect on a moment of gratitude. Ask yourself, “What blessings can I see right now?” Stop and thank God for something right there. Remember, joy comes from leaning on Jesus, not perfection.

True Peace Comes From Jesus Alone

The chaos of the holidays can make peace feel impossible. Between packed schedules, endless to-do lists and the pressure to make everything special and perfect, finding a sense of calm can seem out of reach. I was reminded that the peace we long for doesn’t come from quiet homes, perfect plans or even a well-prepared meal—it comes from Jesus alone.

The angels proclaimed on the night of Jesus’ birth:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

This peace is available to us no matter what’s going on around us. It’s the deep assurance that Jesus came to be with us, to save us, and to bring hope. He is the Prince of Peace. Jesus will give us peace if we just lean into Him and find that rest. 

Reflection: When things feel chaotic or disappointing, pause to remember Jesus being born in the manger. Reflect on the peace that Jesus brings and let it fill your heart, it really will fill your heart. Take a moment to pray, asking Him to quiet the noise in your mind, stop the overwhelm and bring His lasting peace to your spirit.

Lean Into the True Meaning of Christmas

If Christmas isn’t going the way you hoped this year, take a deep breath and lean into its true meaning. Let go of the pressure to make everything perfect and instead, embrace the beauty of the story that started it all:

• A Savior born in a humble manger
• A promise of peace and redemption
• A joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances

Rather than chasing after perfection, focus on what truly matters. The birth of Jesus is a reminder that God’s love reaches us wherever we are, even in the messiness of life.

Gather your family, read the Christmas story from Luke 2 from different versions and spend time reflecting on the birth of Jesus together as a family. You don’t need anything fancy—just hearts open to His presence. Consider lighting a candle, saying a prayer  or singing a hymn to create a peaceful moment together.

Christmas may not always look the way we imagine, but that’s okay. True joy and peace are found in Jesus, whose birth we celebrate. So if this year feels messy, hard, stressful or imperfect, remember the first Christmas. Lean into the love, hope, joy and promise it brings, and let Jesus fill your heart with peace.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with the joy that only He can give.

Merry Christmas,