The cashier said “you sound joyful” as the bell attached to my key chain was ringing. I was busy unloading my cart and forgot to even say hello. I smiled and said “Merry Christmas!” I was glad my little bell was ringing and changed my thoughts from busy to cheerful and attentive.
The little jingle bell attached to my keychain has provided me several opportunities this week to share the reason for the season.
When I think of bells 3 things come to mind.
First, we use bells to alert everyone of something important. Such as; a wedding, class dismissed, or it’s supper time!
We can be like a bell and alert everyone that Jesus is God’s gift to mankind. He was born so we can be saved. We can alert the world about the good news that Jesus loves them.
Second, we use bells to make a joyful sound, especially in music. Singing Jingle Bells is so much fun when bells are played.
We can be like a bell and spread joy and cheer everywhere we go. Find something kind to say to people. You never know who is struggling with life. Kindness makes a difference.
Last, have you ever covered bells with your hands and tried to play them? If so, you know they just go thump! Covering the bells causes them to be dampened. The sound is sad not bright and cheery. Dampened bells are used during sad times; they were played at Princess Diane’s funeral.
Are you letting something dampen your “bell”? It’s easy to let Christmas activities cover us up and we no longer “ring” like we should. Don’t let the worries of this life dampen your spirit. Find the true joy of Christmas and let it fill your heart. Carry a little bell with you as a reminder to ring out with the love of Christ.
“Come on, ring those bells, light the Christmas tree,
Jesus is the King, born for you and me.
Come on, ring those bells, everybody say,
Jesus, we remember this Your birthday.”
Tune My Heart 