My homemade Christmas card says, “Wishing you a joyful Christmas.” Not everyone will celebrate a joyful Christmas this year.

Someone might be mourning the death of a loved one, or suffering with a debilitating disease. This Christmas might not be joyful around us but there can still be joy in our heart because we know that Jesus came to earth as a baby. Matthew tells us in Chapter 1:21, “And she will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” May we all experience the joy of celebrating the birth of Christ with family, friends and neighbours.

The end of 2008 is rapidly approaching. Already now I am thinking of some of the things I will do better next year. The thought comes to mind: “What would Jesus want me to do?”

May the coming year bring you peace and joy knowing that God is in control.

– Addy Oberlin writes from Swan River, Manitoba