Everyone knows 2020 SUCKS. I don't have to remind anyone of all that went wrong: death and suffering from the virus, being practically locked up in our homes, kids spending their first and last years of college stuck in their dorms, weddings and other family celebrations cancelled, restaurants and other businesses closed- some for good, and increases in depression, domestic and drug abuse... The list goes on.
In the Christian tradition, the 4 Sundays before Christmas are celebrated as Advent- a time to prepare for Christmas. Each week has a theme and marked with lighting a candle. It's similar to the Hanukkah menorah and the Kwanza kinara. The four candles represent hope, love, joy, and peace. For the third Sunday, the theme is Joy.
JOY??
Yes. We are instructed to find Joy amidst all the trouble in the world and our lives. There are moments that we must cherish to find a relief from all that has gone wrong this year. Here's where I find joy:
My nephew graduated high school and started college.
My niece had a beautiful baby girl.
We found inventive ways to stay connected through Zoom and other social media, even getting together in backyards at a safe distance.
Families are spending more time together.
The elections are over.
Animal shelters have been emptied because of pet adoptions.
Pharmacuetical companies rolled out vaccines in unheard of speeds.
Although they may be hard to find, I know there are other joys. And that's what I want and need to focus on. With a new year coming soon, I feel hopeful.
Wishing you all a holiday of peace, love, hope- and joy.
Char
