Joy and loss can be so intermingled during the Christmas season. When the decorations come out of the attic, for some of us, so does the pain—loss and heartache and depression are often felt much more poignantly during the holidays—somehow the pain feels so much bigger, so much more penetrating. There are some of us who would much rather fall asleep on December 1 and wake up on January 1, skipping Advent and Christmas altogether.
For some, talk about joy sounds trite or distant, elusive and other. And yet, this week, we lit the Advent candle of joy. Why should joy be more of a focus at this time of year? Does it have any more substance than the shiny tinsel on the tree? Where is joy for those who are hurting or lonely or busy with a long list of parties to attend, presents to buy, a house to clean and decorate, and an extended family to try to contend with? Is joy just another empty word we toss around?
Joy to the world.
Joy to a world where families will fight this Christmas and daughters will use all of the strength they have to sit through dinner with their mothers?
Joy to a world where 13 year olds will open piles of gifts and still feel like they need more stuff?
Joy to a world where homeless shelters will be filled to capacity on Christmas eve?
Joy to a world where wars are raging?
Joy to a world where every five seconds, a child dies of hunger related causes?
Joy to a world people are sold as possessions?
Joy to a world that is polluted?
Joy to a world where churches split, leaving hurt and damaged people in their wake?
Joy to a world where bullies and gossips seem to win?
Joy to a world where our friends get cancer?
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