Desiring Joy

Romans 12:15

Verse 15  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

    Sometimes we desire the joy of the holiday but our hearts are heavy with memories or hurts from past Christmas seasons or losses that seem unsurmountable.  For some, this season of joy is anything but, their hearts are breaking and they are struggling to find a way forward.  Each Christmas song they hear brings memories of moments spent with the one who is no longer with them.  Or maybe each toy commercial reminds them they will never have children.  In either case they feel trapped by the holiday.

    The laughter and love of the season hurts when we are struggling to find joy.  We may not even desire joy in those times and yet the holiday brings joy in abundance.  We are surrounded by all the things we have been hiding from the rest of the year.  Even going to church can be hard as just about every song talks about joy.  We know we should desire to join in the celebration but we just can’t bring ourselves to do it.

    Our key verse today is often used to help those who are rejoicing to mourn with those who are sad but if we are honest with ourselves this verse isn’t written only for those who are rejoicing.  While grief is very real and hurts deeply, if we only expect people to mourn with us and we don’t rejoice with them, we are being selfish.

    The truth is, the joy of Christmas should bring us joy even as we mourn.  Not that we are to ignore the pain we are experiencing, but we need to look at our pain in light of what Jesus came to do.  If we are mourning the loss of a loved one, we can think about what that person meant to our spiritual life.  If we are mourning the inability to have a child, we may need to look at the children around us and ask ourselves how we can live Christ into their lives.  And if we are on the rejoicing end of the spectrum we need to ask ourselves how we can mourn with those who are struggling this season.  Maybe ask them to tell us a special memory that brings them joy or better still, tell them a memory you have about their loved one.  We need to help each other desire joy so we can join together in rejoicing this Savior born for us.

Making It Personal

    Have you ever struggled with the holiday season?  What do you find joyous about Christmas?  Who can you help with their mourning or rejoicing today?

Making It Personal Kids

    Have you ever been sad at Christmas?  What can you do to find joy when you are sad?  How can you help someone else who is sad find joy?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to help each other focus on You during this season.  Give us the grace we need for each other so we can find joy and help those who mourn.  In Jesus’ name, amen.