My Jesus Story

By Jenni Ingram
Member, First Baptist Church, Gantt

The Christmas season is one of celebration for most, but for a growing number of people it is a time of great sadness. Sadness may come because of the loss of a loved one, financial problems, being alone, etc. There is a way we can all have joy and that is my Jesus story.

First ask yourself, “Do I have true joy — not just during the holiday season, but any day?” I’m not talking about happiness. Happiness can be ruined by all of the outside influences of this world. Worries about money, health, relationships (or lack thereof), work — you name it, you can worry about it if you choose to. I don’t. I choose to accept that God has my whole life under control, whether I know it or not. There also is the issue of anger that becomes prominent this time of year. Perhaps it is a real or imagined hurt that has been buried in unforgiveness. Maybe it is anger at a family member or a close friend. The time is now to place it all under the precious blood of Jesus, forgive and let it go.

My greatest joy comes from time with my family and friends. My daughter’s teenage years required an immense amount of forgiveness, but because we have been forgiven by Jesus, each time we forgave, it became easier. Now one of my most joyful times is seeing her, my husband, my son-in-law and my beautiful granddaughters sitting in church with me.

We can have joy while we are in the arms and the will of Jesus. We are new creations in Christ when He calls us as His children and we accept Him. We only have to know Him. Won’t you take His gift of joy today?