Deep within the human heart is a joy implanted by the Lord

We have grown accustomed to commercials for prescription medication. What would happen if a brilliant scientist created a prescription for Merry Christmas? Perhaps the commercial would look like this:

The camera reveals scenes of men and women upset over holiday lines and a parent buying an overpriced toy, wondering if his child will play with the box more than with the actual toy for which he got up at 4 in the morning and stood in line for hours in the cold with all the other bargain-crazy parents. Then the voice-over comes in, "Are you tired of battling with a bah-humbug attitude, while being surrounded by sounds and sights of laughter and joy? Does the idea of one more Santa 'ho, ho, hoing' or ringing bell make you fell like you are going over the edge? Then Merry Christmas is for you."

"Merry Christmas is a smooth mellowing agent taken daily that magically opens blood flow, tuning the auditory nerve to the sounds of fireplaces crackling and opening the nostrils embracing the smells of chestnuts roasting. When Jack Frost comes nipping at your nose, the deep warming sensation created by Merry Christmas nips back. The happy sensation encouraged by the release of holiday endorphins puts a twinkle in your eye, encourages rosy cheeks and spontaneous laughter."

A store clerk testifies, "Last Christmas I was grumpy, but since taking Merry Christmas I have been laughing with my customers and have seen my Christmas sales double."

Of course, every prescription has side effects. So the narrator continues, "Warning, the side effects of Merry Christmas are cheery disposition and stomach pains resulting from overeating at holiday parties. If you experience the tightening of your cheek muscles resulting in baring of your teeth, a symptom associated with the common smile, for greater than four hours, consult a neighbor and share your joy. Occasional and sudden bursts of laughter may occur as a result of taking Merry Christmas. While Merry Christmas is a seasonal medication that can only be prescribed by your doctor or your local store Santa, it may carry lasting effects into the new year."

"Bah-humbug hurts, but Merry Christmas can help."

While no prescription for pure, obnoxious happiness actually exists, Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that "A joyful heart is good medicine."

Deep within the heart is a joy implanted by the Lord as a prescription for the soul that will last beyond the merry Christmas season.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.