Finding Joy in Christmas- When Everything 'Feels' Wrong
The year 2001 proved to be a life altering one. Barring our own
personal problems which already may have had you in a state of
despair, the attack on America left the nation- the world- in a
state of sadness, disbelief and hopelessness.
As we are surrounded by the sites and sounds of Christmas, many
of us show a bittersweet smile while gazing at lovely Christmas
lights or hearing a children's choir. We feel guilty for feeling
happy when we are surrounded by so much tragedy and reflect upon
a world that 'once was'.
It feels like the Christmas spirit has been knocked out of our
sails and we are drifting aimlessly upon a sea of tears.
Yes, it's been one heck of a year. The loss we have sustained is
incomprehensible. Combined with our individual problems; we're
left wondering how to get through Christmas with joy in our
hearts. Where is the room for joy when our hearts are filled to
the brim with sorrow?
My eyes mist when I think of the lives lost and the families who
must be struggling to shop for their remaining family members.
What angst they must be experiencing. Those of us who didn't
lose anyone feel for them- but, also feel helpless. How can we
take away their pain? How can we make it easier for them to get
through the season? That weighs heavily on many of us and
contributes further to our attempts of feeling joy during a
season that's supposed to be joyous.
I've reflected a lot on this because of my own feelings of
confusion and despair this Christmas. I've battled with guilt
and sorrow. I've wondered if I should even bother decorating for
Christmas when there are so many out there caught in the web of
grief. My heart bleeds for them.
I ask myself, "What right do I have to be happy?"
I've come to the conclusion that it's okay, even necessary to
experience the joy and hope of Christmas this year. If we take
our focus away from the gifts and decorations and point it
towards what Christmas really is- we will find comfort, solace,
peace and joy. For Christmas is Christ and Christ is eternal
love, hope, life, joy and peace. Isn't that what we need right
now- more than ever?
By focusing on Christ- the very reason this holiday exists- our
burdens become lighter as we see a message of great hope and
comfort. No, our pain isn't gone. No, we can't bring back those
who were lost and no, we can't reverse time. But, there is no
load too heavy that Christ won't carry for us. His birth was and
is the greatest 'Christmas Present' anyone could ever hope for.
And it's real. Through Christ and His message to us, we can take
comfort in many things. 1. Those beautiful people who were lost
in the tragic attack on America are with our loving Father in a
realm that is real, alive and eternal. Though not with us
physically, they are very much alive and happy. They are missed
dearly on the earthly plane, but are living a wonderful,
fulfilling life in a world much more beautiful than the one we
remain in. 2. No matter how heavy your load may be, Christ is
always there to help you with it. His gift of hope, comfort,
help, healing and life is there for you. You will be carried
through your darkest hours. You will never be alone. There is
someone right beside you who will get you through anything this
world dishes out. Just ask. 3. The light of Christ shines within
each and every one of us. The beauty of lights upon a tree or
shining from a window symbolize his omnipresent light. If you do
decide to put up lights this year- and are struggling with
feelings of confusion - remember what those lights symbolize.
They are symbols of the light of Christ and cannot ever be
snuffed out. By displaying lights, you are showing hope to
others who may need to be reminded of it very, very much.
It is my hope that we can, even with our very real pain, not
just 'get through' Christmas, but celebrate it. It's not the
pretty packages and ribbons that make Christmas what it is. It's
God's promise to us all- His Love for us all- His ultimate
display of His love for us by sending his only son to earth to
show us we have eternal life through Him. That's what Christmas
is about. Now more than ever before we need to hold fast to that
promise and by doing that, we will find the joy in Christmas
this year; even if it's amidst tears.
May the light of Christ shine in all of your hearts this
Christmas; give you comfort, peace and joy.
"Peace on Earth- Good will to men."