Christmas means giving, receiving joy

Fight society's doom and gloom and sprinkle joy wherever you can

- Design Pics photo The gift of unexpected joyful carrolling can ignite the Christmas Spirit in a weary heart.

By SHARON ESPESETH
Special to the WCR

Last year, between Christmas and New Year, I read about Pope Benedict's homily to parishioners in Rome. In his address, the pope admonished people to give joy rather than expensive gifts.

As the New Year approached, I decided being more joyful might be one resolution I could keep, or at least sincerely work on. In my journal I wrote: I do firmly resolve to experience more joy. I will look for and allow more joy into my life. Then I will endeavour to share my joy with others.

Spirit of joy

Pope Benedict's sermon sharpened my awareness of the importance of joy. Many years earlier, St. Paul considered joy significant enough to be included in the fruits of the Spirit, listed in Galatians. In fact, joy comes right after love. Love, joy, peace . . ., we read. Even so, I sometimes forget to foster a spirit of joy in my life.

Bombarded as we are by sad and shocking news, the joy is often beaten out of us. Many of us are dealing with personal problems; some are grieving serious losses. In such circumstances, how does one cultivate a spirit of joy? The pope suggests, "With a smile, an act of kindness, a little help, forgiveness, you can bring joy and that joy will come back to you."

To the contrary, consumerism promotes the giving and receiving of substantial material gifts.

Bring joy

The business world thrives on this concept. Instead, Pope Benedict advises, "You should bring joy, not expensive gifts that cost time and money." It is joy, he proposes, that liberates people.

Interestingly, in the same newspaper, I read a letter by a woman who was touched by a group of carolers. After an emotionally challenging week, she was overwhelmed by a group of young people, uninvited and unabashedly, singing carols outside her door. She was Surprised by Joy, a phrase C.S. Lewis uses as title to one of his books.

The woman's letter, along with the pope's advice, made me reflect on the Christmas just passed. Yes, I did receive lovely, thoughtful gifts. But there were other happenings that inspired even greater joy.

Spending Christmas at our daughter and son-in-law's home was a gift. The presence of all our children and grandchildren was a gift. Our nine-month old granddaughter, Abagail, decided to walk on Christmas Day. As her mom said, "It's a Christmas Day miracle!" Our gift was watching Abbie's joy of accomplishment.

Recalling our church choir singing to the seniors at a lodge, I enjoyed sharing our music and the seniors' response. I enjoyed visiting with residents. The seniors' enjoyment was our reward. Notice the word "joy" in enjoyment. Christmas is a time to rejoice, using another joyful word.

During the holiday season, we are often more generous with our time and money. We give and receive joy when we drop off a turkey for the food bank, mail a check for disaster relief, sing in a choir, or drop money into the Salvation Army kettle.

Ambassadors of joy

Our acts of generosity and kindness, however, need to be more consciously continued throughout the year. In this way, the blessings or joys of giving and receiving are not limited to the month or week before Christmas. We can be ambassadors of joy all year long.

In a world where complaining has been elevated to an art form, we need to practise, give and receive joy. As Pope Benedict says, sharing joy could be the "best antidote to the ills of society." With these thoughts last January, I promised not to wait until next Christmas to practise the philosophy of Joy to the World.

As another Christmas comes around, I admit I haven't always practised joy this year. It wasn't always at the front of my mind. On the other hand, I have definitely encountered and appreciated joy in my life. I've tried to savour the present, rather than always rushing to the next event. I am trying to treat myself and others better.

As I prepare for Christmas this year, I want it to be a spiritual and emotional Advent rather than an acquisitive, materialistic frenzy. This mental shift hopefully will reduce the stress of holiday duties.

With a more relaxed state of mind, I will be more joyful and peaceful. I will be more loving and receptive. Wrapping gifts for others, I want to wrap love, joy and peace in my heart. Then, I'll hit forward.

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