Joy to the World.. Still! (Mano Po Ninang!)

Christmas season is here and I’m not particularly feeling “Christmasy” inside. We’ve decorated the house but the warm christmas feeling is not yet there. Tasks, problems, plans (or absence of), property taxes, end of year payments, end of year expenses, allergies, steroids, antihistamine (ok maybe these meds are making me feel low).. People losing their loved ones.. People trying to control people.. Crime and poverty. Where is Joy.. I call for joy (Yes?).

Me: Hello Joy! Oh where have you been?
Joy: (I’ve been to London to visit the queen..Nah) With you always..
Me: I don’t see you, I don’t feel you, how can you prove that?
Joy: It’s not for me to prove but for you to find out.
Me: I’ve heard that before.
Joy: You know you have me..

So I pondered and found Joy. My Joy are memories of my childhood and faces of my loved ones. Joy is the love and acceptance of my friends and family. My Joys are the knowledge and experiences of a God who cares, and blesses, and comforts. Joy is certainty of my ultimate destination with the Lord in His Kingdom. Joy is being able to think, and move, and work for myself and others. Joy is with me indeed! (Thank you Lord!)

So Joy to the World this season and always.. Despite and regardless of challenges in our lives. Pause to find Joy. Pause and be joyful. Joy be with you! Joy is with you! (Merry Christmas Ninang!)

— Short Ninang thoughts about Christmas and Joy

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

(Background Music: Joy to the World..😋)