When I was a young adult, my father warned me to be aware that “The Spirit of Herod” was trying to steal the joy of Christmas from me. That warning really impacted me because my father had never in all my life ever spoken of any spirit of evil having an influence on the mortal world. He was not referencing a specific incident or situation, but more a general tendency for life to present good and bad things that would distract me from experiencing the hope, joy, and peace that the birth of Christ offers.

The obvious ways that the joy of Christmas can be stolen are physical pain, health issues and the loss of loved ones. Physical discomfort and grief make it hard to feel like celebrating. My dad would say that the timing of these pains was not a coincidence.

A more subtle way to have the joy of Christmas stolen is through the busy-ness of the season. It’s hard to fully experience the joy and anticipation of Christmas when consumed by too many seasonal obligations, even if they are fun. Decorating the house, preparing for guests, shopping, wrapping, parties, baking, etc. are all wonderful parts of the season until they become so consuming that they become the focus of the season and Christ is brushed to the sidelines.

Herod tried to steal the joy of Christmas when Jesus was born (read Matthew 2), but he was not successful. Being aware that the joy of Christmas is still under threat may not completely prevent us from slipping in that direction, but it can help us to reorient our focus when it does begin to happen.

Praying that the Spirit of Christmas prevails in your life, and you have moments of hope, joy, and peace this Christmas season, no matter what your circumstances are.

With Love and Christmas Blessings,

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