A lot of people set such high expectations during the Christmas season that they become irrevocably depressed when such expectations are not met.
For Pastor Greg Laurie, people should not attach any expectations on Christmas because the only one who can provide true happiness is Jesus Christ.
"In this season, so many expect Christmas to bring happiness, but that's impossible. You will be let down. The only real happiness you will find is in Christ. Not in Christmas, but in Christ. Not in presents, but in His presence," he writes on his blog.
What's amazing about Christ's presence, according to Laurie, is that it's something that people can "re-gift," and it still will be the greatest gift anyone can ever share.
"People are so afraid right now. Seventy-nine percent of Americans believe a terror attack is imminent. There are opportunities to engage people. Maybe you have relatives from out of town. Everyone has a co-worker, neighbor, or friend—bring them with you to church! Know this: there is great joy in sharing God's gift with others," says Laurie.
The pastor also encourages Christians to give back to the community by engaging in charitable acts and serving at church. He assures them that they will be happier for it.
"I believe sharing our faith can be exciting, and believe it or not, fun! As Psalm 126:6 reminds us: 'Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them,'" says Laurie. "Jesus told us there is joy in heaven over every sinner who comes to repentance. So if there is joy in heaven upon hearing of a conversion, there certainly should be joy in having a role in it. Next to personally knowing Christ, the greatest joy I know is bringing others to Him — and then to watch them grow spiritually and transform."
In all his years of preaching, Laurie has observed that the happiest Christians are the evangelistic ones while the unhappiest are the "nitpicky kind."
"Yes, there is a happiness that we are missing out on if we are not sharing our faith," he says. "Giving, helping, thinking of others — these are all sources of great joy for the Christian, but the fact is, they are things Christians often don't do. They don't want to give their money, they don't want to share their faith, and they don't want to serve others— yet the Bible tells us there is happiness in doing these things."
