Just a few thoughts:
Why was Ebenezer Scrooge so unhappy? Most of us believe that happiness comes through getting. If only I can get a new (pick one) house, car, job, promotion, or relationship, I will be happy. But Ebenezer Scrooge was unhappy not because of a failure to get but to give.
Many of us have to become parents before we discover the principle. Words simply cannot describe the joy of watching our children opening gift after gift on Christmas morning.
All of us should know that our best joys come through giving. And yet we forget; don't we? Maybe it's all those commercials that convince us we really can't be satisfied unless we buy the new and improved version of some product - that happiness comes through getting.
Christmas is a good time of year to remind ourselves of the truth. The message of Christmas is that of joyous giving. And, more importantly, it's the message of that first Christmas. For the baby in Bethlehem's manger was a gift, a present from a loving heavenly father to his lost and hurting children, a gift the Bible says brought "good tidings of great joy" to giver and receiver alike.
What are your opportunities to give with joy? These are your best chances at happiness.
Thanks for your support!
Merry Christmas!
-Jason Carson Music-