It can be hard to find the joy of Christmas when we live in a broken world. How do we say “Peace on Earth” when children are gunned down in schools, people killed at concerts, and countries are at war? How do we sing “Joy to the World” after hearing news reports or seeing haunting images of terror?
We know of tragedy and pain throughout the world and some may even feel guilty at times for wanting to continue with Christmas traditions. But we also have a deep longing to experience peace and joy. How do we reconcile these emotions?
December is often decorated with sparkling lights, candy, sugar cookies, wreaths, and beautifully wrapped boxes. None of these things are bad, but they can mask the real Christmas. Christmas is not just about festive cheer, bright lights, and merriment. Yes, there is joy, but sadness and pain also belong in the Christmas story.
If we have our eyes open to the world, we see not only gifts and twinkling eyes, but also tears and heartache. We see broken bodies and blood. We see the homeless and hungry. We see abuse and greed. We see parents planning funerals instead of finishing their Christmas shopping.
However, even in the midst of this tragedy and brokenness, there is still a reason to sing joy to the world and peace on Earth. We have Christmas because of heartache, pain, grief, and tragedies. We need a wonderful counselor. We long for a savior to fix our broken world. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus because of the brokenness. Christmas is deeper, stronger, and more important than the gifts.
Christmas is staring evil in the face and saying, “You will not win.” Christmas is choosing forgiveness over revenge. Christmas is working towards a better world. Christmas is praying for peace on Earth. Christmas is learning that hope and love are greater than despair.
Here are some ways to get into the Christmas spirit: Show mercy. Love your neighbor. Feed the hungry. Care for the poor. Pray for others. Share hope. Find beauty. Forgive. Be peacemakers. Express gratitude. Practice compassion. Comfort those who mourn.
This year, many people may have tears streaming while singing Christmas songs, but sing on we must. Sing about joy and peace on Earth. Sing about love and comfort this Christmas. Those are words of hope for our future and a call to action for our present.
Thanks Nancy for your words for all of us to relect on.
Your writings help me put Christmas in its proper place.
Sometimes getting into the Christmas spirit is a difficult time for ones who are homeless, many family problems, a loss of loved ones. Through prayer God always has the answer for us. He will give us strength to help us through sadness, loneliness, fear and lead us the right way. He wants us to talk with Him. God is our strength in times of trouble. When we sing our Christmas songs it gives us great comfort. Jesus likes us to sing to him. Our way for peace is through Jesus.