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1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Sunday’s second reading):
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
The word of the Lord.
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Christmas is only twelve days away!
For many of us, our trees have been decorated, most of our gifts have been wrapped (unless they’re on back order from Amazon), and our ugly Christmas sweaters have been pulled from the closet.
Although we’ve all had to downsize this Christmas, with fewer family members and friends around the table and perhaps fewer gifts underneath the tree, there’s still excitement in the air.
We need the cheer that comes from Christmas.
It’s been a hard year.
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But I wonder, is Christian joy something seasonal? Or should we be able to find a reason to rejoice year-round, even while stuck in a pandemic?
In our second reading, Saint Paul says, “Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks.”
Not, “Rejoice while opening Christmas presents.”
Or, “Rejoice after a vaccine’s been found…or rejoice after you receive it.”
But, “Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks.”
How is this possible? How can we rejoice always?
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Allow me to offer five simple tips. If one of them strikes you, perhaps make it a New Year’s Resolution.
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Number one: Be grateful.
We can all find a reason to complain. But studies have shown that the happiest people are also the most grateful.
Strangely enough, some of the happiest people are also the poorest people. Although they have very little materially, they’re grateful for what they have.
If you know the twinge of hunger, for example, then it’s easier to be grateful for a hot meal.
In our case, we know what it feels like to be isolated. COVID’s kept us quarantined and socially distanced these last nine months. But this distance can increase our gratitude for other people in our lives.
Count your blessings in 2021; look for a reason to be grateful. Then you’ll experience Christian joy year-round.
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Number two: Give more.
Every Christmas we’re invited to be generous.
Over the last month, for example, I’ve been amazed at how generous the parishioners of Saint Pius X are. You’ve filled the entrance of our church with gifts for children you’ll never even meet.
But don’t stop giving on December 26th. Keep giving. In fact, give more.
Instead of giving sweaters and toys, however, give the gift of yourself.
People matter more than things. COVID’s reminded us of that. Don’t let any commercial or advertisement convince you otherwise.
You are the greatest gift of all. What this parish – and your family needs – is you.
Be present for one another and you’ll experience Christian joy year-round.
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Number three: Spend more time with God.
For some of us, God gets more time during Advent or Lent than other times of the year.
In preparing for Christmas, we may have attended daily Mass, tuned in online, prayed the rosary, or added a few moments of prayerful silence to our day.
When the anxiety and busyness of life returns, especially after COVID, these routines shouldn’t stop. Our relationship with God should never be seasonal.
The formula before, during, and after Christmas is the same: More God equals more joy.
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Number four: Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
During the Christmas season, we fill our homes with Nativity sets, Advent wreaths, and angels on top of our Christmas trees.
All those little bits of Christmas décor are, in a way, reminders of God’s presence in our lives. We need these reminders, but not just during the month of December; we need them throughout the year.
When Christmas decorations come down, put other reminders of Christ up.
Replace your Christmas tree with a family altar, the Advent wreath with a crucifix, or the Nativity set with a statue of Jesus, Mary, or a favorite Saint.
Keep some physical sign of your faith in view and the source of Christmas joy – Jesus Christ – will remain with you always.
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Number five: Stay connected.
The holidays often inspire us to do a little more. We write Christmas cards, make extra phone calls, and carve out extra time for others.
When the holidays conclude, keep it up. Stay connected, especially with those who are isolated.
Make loving God, present in your neighbor, a top priority in 2021 and you’ll experience Christian joy year-round.
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In twelve days, we’ll celebrate Christmas. Holiday cheer is everywhere!
In order to keep it going: Be grateful. Give more of yourself to others. Spend more time with God. And stay connected. Then Christian joy will be ours year-round.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Merry Christmas and God bless you.
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Very insightful words. All very true and very good habits to stay connected to inner peace. I find keeping my focus on Jesus to be the one I have been trying to incorporate in my life during difficult times, to try to create a space of awareness of his presence and movement for him to work in my life.
Amen. Daily prayer makes Christ’s peace continue. God bless you