Yes, Mr. Morris, there is joy this Christmas

This morning’s newspaper brought an editorial from Mr. Phillip Morris sadly titled, “It’s tough to find joy amid sorrow.” (The Plain Dealer, Dec 23, 2012, B1) The essay reminds us again of the recent difficult events in our nation: the economy, Sandy, and the tragedy in Newtown among others.  Citing these sorrows, the author sees no reason for celebration.  Instead, the words are a plea for a solution to stop such events in the future so we can have joy again.

I am sure Mr. Morris is not alone in his feelings.  Many struggle with the suffering, and find themselves unable to see joy and happiness.  They search for someone to solve the problems and prevent future heartache.  They want a program, or a law, or a new invention to put an end to suffering.  While there will be valiant efforts to prevent future sadness, that hope is vain.

We live in a world beyond our control.  The laws of the universe tell us that things move toward disorder.  Earthquakes, storms, disease, birth defects are all part of this world, and will continue to be.  We also live in a world where people can choose their own actions.  No matter what laws we pass, or what safeguards we create, there will always be evil people that find a way to hurt and destroy.  We can hope for improvement, but we will always face the risks of crime, of anger, of war. 

The promise of this season is not that we will be free of pain and suffering; it is that we can find peace and joy in spite of suffering.  The Man whose birth we celebrate said, “these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  We can find peace and joy as we overcome the world.

There is peace to be found.  There is profound joy to be witnessed in the world today.  We see it in the millions of dollar of gifts and toys sent to Newtown.  We feel it when we read about the NYFD volunteers who traveled to Newtown to attend the funeral of a young victim that wanted to be a fireman.  We see it in the donations sent to victims of hurricanes and earthquakes and floods.  I see it on Facebook as friends collect gifts to play “Santa” to a deserving family.  I observe it in the food drives and gift drives at work.  I hear it in the line Christmas shopping as people gladly add $4-5 to their bill to support a local hospital.  I experience it myself when someone drops off cookies, or clears the snow from my sidewalk. 

We are a nation that cares for each other.  We gave over $300 BILLION to charity last year.  And that it just what shows up on tax forms.  It doesn’t include the time, the energy, the caring that are provided day in and day out in this country.  We serve each other.  We pray for each other.  We deliver meals, and cookies, and flowers.  We hug each other and hold hands and offer shoulders to cry on. 

Yes, Mr. Morris, there is joy this Christmas.  We will never be able to protect ourselves nor our children from all the pain and strife and ordeals.  But we choose how we respond.  This is the lesson for our children.  This is the blessing of this season.  This is what truly makes our nation great.  Because we lift each other up.  We comfort each other.  Our joy is not diminished because of sorrow, it is richer because it overcomes that suffering. 

May we all recognize the blessings we receive.  May we give thanks for the peace we receive.  May we reach out to others, in whatever way we can, to share that joy and peace at this special time of year.