SCRIPTURE:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
GOODWILL
See, even the Bible tells us that we must find time to play.
What do you think about when you hear the words “cheerful heart”? Let’s do a little bit of exegetical work, mixed in with a little bit of reason and experience. First, let’s look up the word cheerful in Greek. Brb. Let’s see what pops out. Go look it up yourself.
Oh shoot! First word that comes up is Merry! Merry freaking Christmas! Ok back to study.
Oh shoot same word is used to describe those who rejoice in doing evil. I definitely do not want to rejoice in doing evil. I want to do good. Ok back to studying…. let’s stick with Merry. Merry freaking Christmas.
What if Christmas is actually here to heal us? What if Christmas and what happens at Christmas is actually here to heal us from all of the pain of 2020? That’s what the Bible is teaching me today. How can I be the kind of Christian who experiences the healing of Christmas and helps others heal during this Christmas?
Think about it. The scripture teaches us that those who are merry are healed. Those who have a spirit of merriness to them are being healed. So drink your pumpkin frappes and be freaking happy! Because this season is here to heal us.
Give to little kids and the poor and experience healing from generosity.
Encourage people and make them smile. Inspire people with your words and experience healing like that.
Go hiking.
Do the things that make you happy with the people who make you happy.
To my pastor friends, preach a good word. A word of healing.
To my college students-be kind and humble, and loving to the people around you.
Be gentle. Be Patient. Enjoy yourselves, find healing for yourself.
To my homies-treat your wives well, make them laugh. Brush things off. Be a good dad.
I have to write two devotionals but I’ll stop there. I actually think people stopped listening a while ago. So, if you are still listening I want to thank you for making it this far.It’s been quite a ride. Writing for no one. Lol.It’s been fun. I’ve learned a lot. And it’s my alone time with God. It’s also very vulnerable. What can I say?
Merry Christmas.