Optimist’s Roundtable

By Martha Sykes

Now that the Christmas season is over, we can still reflect on the many aspects of the birth of Jesus that can remain in our hearts throughout the year.

As we look at the gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verse 10 tells us the angel said” Do not be afraid”. Even as we began this new year, the news of tragedy reminded us that there are many reasons for us to be afraid in our world today, and these things can steal the joy and love that we shared over the holidays. At times like this is when we have to keep the reason for that love in our lives with us always.

We have to remember that the message of Christmas is that you matter to God… a lot!!You matter to God so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show you! The Messiah came to save us and bring peace to our hearts. Jesus was born on that first Christmas as our Savior and for us to be saved we must let Jesus be born into our own lives. Not just in one part of our lives, but in every part of each day we live. We need to have Him everywhere; in our families, our marriages, our community, and in our own thoughts and actions.

In the words of Jesus, He said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”. Amy Grant has a song she has recorded that says, “Lay down your burdens, I will carry you, my child, my child”. That’s what Jesus offers to each of us as we try to carry His joy in our hearts all through the year.