Christmas Reborn

Since hearing about the tragic events in Newtown, CT last Friday, I have had a lump in my stomach and an ache in my heart.  Our souls cry out at the lose of the innocent and brave. We grieve for people we have never met, for a community where we have never lived.  The bond of our humanity is enough to be touched by such pain.  And we wish we could make it go away.

I think that is the reason why I heard that some neighbors of those who lost a loved one thought it was the right thing to take down their Christmas decorations.  They felt that it was "wrong" to be joyful in the midst of such aguish.  While I can understand that line of thinking, I would adamantly recommend against it because taking down the decorations because it won't undo the events and it invites the darkness to over come us.  

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Rev. Katharine Jeffert Shori, wrote a wonderful op ed for The Huffington Post in response to this topic. Click here to read it. http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/12/18/how-to-rejoice-after-newtown-shootings/.

The reality of our lives is that we live with joy and sorrow every day.  The intensity and depth of these emotions vary widely, as well as our expectations about certain events.  We expect Christmas to bring joy, so when an event happens that countermands that expectation, we are not sure how to react.  If we can accept that the joy of Christmas is an ongoing reality - God is with us!  - than nothing, not even tragedy can subvert it.  In fact, Jesus' birth should empower us to better deal with these events because we know those who have died are at peace.

Through Jesus, God gave Light to the world.  The tradition of Christmas lights proclaims that message in a beautiful, sparkling testimony.  They show that the darkness will not overcome us, nor will sorrow overcome joy.  We cannot take away the pain and loss of those who have been so harshly impacted by these events, but we can stand in solidarity and offer hope. 

I offer the same prayer and  hope for each of you as well.  Whatever pain or sorrows that occurs (or has occurred) in your lives are just as real, even if they didn't get national media attention.  That doesn't make them less significant.  I do encourage you to take the time to honor those places of sorrow and come to the Blue Christmas service on Sunday, December 23rd at 6 PM.  It is an important tradition for me as it allows me to remember my mother, who loved Christmas so much and whom I still miss everyday.  Please join with me for a time to remember and grieve - whatever your loss or need - in order to be able to receive the joy of Christmas, God's Light of the world.  By taking this time, we will be able to have Christ be reborn in our lives each day.

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