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The Holiday Season: A Time of Joy and a Time of Loss

Christmas is celebrated throughout the Christian world. Its spiritual dimensions are immense even though the cast of characters in the Nativity Story is small. The supporting characters are the angels, shepherds, magi, and King Herod. The central characters are Jesus, the Son of God; Mary, the recipient of a miracle; and Joseph, a good and just person who does his best in circumstances that are demanding and confusing.

Many people fill the holiday season with meaningful rituals and customs along with party celebrations and hectic schedules. It is a season of joy and anticipation. Yet, other people are hurting and grieving. For them this year has been especially difficult. Their holiday spirit has been diminished. Mother Nature has been on the rampage most of the year with tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Families have been evacuated from their homes. The day-by-day pace of life has been disrupted. There are increasing war causalities. The bitter political debate about the war is more strident then ever. Job losses have brought about financial insecurity and a lack of confidence. Many retirees face pension cutbacks and decisions about complicated prescription benefits.

During this holiday season, all of us can be enlightened by taking a moment to reflect on the spiritual wisdom of Isaiah. His uplifting message is, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar with eagles’ wings” (Isaiah 40:31). Modern prophets in Advent 2005 might send this reassuring message via email to the world, “Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person has a pretty good grasp of life.”

Advent Celebrates a Light that Shines in Darkness?
Advent is a unique time of the year. It reminds us of the need to have an overall spiritual perspective. It is a time to combine the spirit of prayer with focusing on the great gift of God’s love. It is not unusual during any time of the year to be confronted and overwhelmed with concerns, health problems, loneliness, and fears. To respond to these personal setbacks, parishes and dioceses have instituted counseling sessions. Support and spiritual wisdom are needed by people who are going through stress and grieving. People welcome the opportunity to see things with an open heart no matter how confusing and demanding the circumstance. It is important to realize the uniqueness of each setback. When we encounter stress and grief, we try to move forward in the healing process. Rather than be overwhelmed by stress and grief it is spiritually beneficial to:

• Surround yourself with family and friends. They offer love and the ability to listen to your words and silences.
• Work with support groups. They can help you through the low points of what you are experiencing. You are not alone. Other families have faced similar setbacks.
• Gather as much solid information as possible. It is the abrupt change in one’s life that has caused a sense of loss. The healing process takes time but family friends, and reliable information can establish a positive course to move forward.
• Admit to family and friends your lack of information on every step of the healing process. It is OK to admit, “I don’t know what to expect next.” In fact, it is impossible to know everything when surrounded by adversity.
• Re-emphasize our deepest yearning for oneness with God. The living story of Jesus’ presence in our hearts fosters the healing process.

Calming of the Storm
At times, our lives can resemble the Bible story of the disciples caught in a sudden storm (see Matthew 8:23-27). They are afraid of capsizing and possibly drowning. Jesus is sleeping during this turmoil. When the disciples wake Jesus, they experience another setback. Jesus rebukes them and asks why they haven’t trusted in God during this moment of crisis. The disciples realize that Jesus has power over the wind and the water. He is the Lord of the cosmos. We can be like the disciples. We can trust that Jesus helps us with our setbacks and fears. We can turn to God in prayer.

Poet Ralph Wright has these inspiring words to help us overcome setbacks and fears,

“God comes to us in hope
and helps us cope
with life as he reminds us of a cave,
a manger and a virgin and a star
to tell us who we are.
He raises hands to bless for our increase
and with his love and pain
he gives us peace.”
-Christ: Our Love for All Seasons (Paulist Press, 2005)

What Difference Does This Make in My Life?
1. What are some of the things that make this time of the year a time of joy for some people? A time of loss and sadness for some people?

2. Do you know someone who finds it easy to trust God in difficult circumstances? Describe that person.

3. How do you keep spiritual balance in times of stress? How do you plan to make this Advent and Christmas different?

4. What scripture passages do you find especially comforting and reassuring? Consider Psalm 23 and Matthew 6:25-34.

5. Invite someone who heads a parish support group to describe the purpose and scope of their ministry.

6. When is it necessary to draw the line between self-reliance on one hand and trust in God on the other?

7. Do you agree that people have a pretty good grasp of life when they have joy in their hearts and laughter on their lips? Explain.

8. In what way do you bring the Good News of Advent to your family? Friends? Parish? Neighborhood?

9. For more online catechist/parent background for the season of Advent along with prayers, customs, and activities go to www.faithfirst.com and click the link marked “Advent Resources.”

10. Closing prayer.
Let us pray.
God of Light, lead us out of darkness and into the light.
Help us to recognize your presence in our midst.
In the name of Jesus, who is always with us, we pray.
Amen.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Theme: We Talk with God
Kindergarten, chapter 12
Grade 1, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapter 24
Grade 3, chapter 23
Grade 4, chapter 24
Grade 5, chapter 24
Grade 6, chapter 25
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 12
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 4
Junior High, Morality: Life in Christ, chapter 12
Junior High, Jesus in the New Testament, chapter 1

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
Theme: We Talk with God
Kindergarten, chapter 12
Grade 1, chapter 23
Grade 2, chapter 24
Grade 3, chapter 23
Grade 4, chapter 24
Grade 5, chapter 24
Grade 6, chapter 25
Junior High: Liturgy and Morality, chapter 24
Junior High: Creed and Prayer, chapter 12