there are only two candles remaining on the advent wreath whose symbols i have not written about this christmas season. these candles are those representing joy and the christ child. in our home, we celebrated christmas with our children just a few days ago, so my wife and i are filled with joy that our children could be with us, that we had happy times eating delicious food together and exchanging gifts, that they are healthy, that their jobs are secure despite the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic, and that they were able to travel safely in their own vehicles rather than having to use commercial transportation to get to our home.
there is a special joy that only comes at christmas. many days of preparation lead up to that special day. my wife and i spent hours cleaning and decorating our home and in the planning of, shopping for, and preparing the meals, snacks, and desserts that we only enjoy at christmas. we loved shopping for the gifts that our children told us they needed or wanted and were filled with joy as they opened their packages and we opened ours. most of all we were and are joyful that we were able to spend several days with all of us together catching up in person on what's going on in all our lives rather than talking on the phone, emailing, or texting. we listened to the beautiful music of christmas and sang along with our favorite songs. we watched our favorite christmas movies. it was a grand time together, and by the time they left to return to their homes the day after christmas we were exhausted but happy. what a pleasure it is to be with those we love during the season of hope, peace, love, and joy!
the baby in a manger symbolizes all that is good about being a human being. the idea that a loving God is present in that humble place in a tiny child born to impoverished peasants as the angels proclaim peace on earth and goodwill to all people makes this time especially magical. one doesn't have to believe the teachings of orthodox christianity to be caught up in that magic. we just have to let go of our focus on self and surrender to the spirit of christmas that dickens conveys so well in "a christmas carol." life is about sharing joy with others and giving of our abundance so that the suffering of others is eased, of letting go of our own neediness so we see the needs of those around us, of "keeping christmas" in our hearts.
may we leave the worries of the world behind for a brief time as we observe this special holiday. may christmas renew the possibility of peace and love within us. may this season restore our faith in the goodness inherent in ourselves and those around us. may our hearts be full of hope, peace, love, and joy. shalom.
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