Ascension : News From The Grotto -Thought For The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 17.12.2009 (Article Archived on 31.12.2009)
“I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord: I repeat, what I want is your happiness. “
3rd Sunday of Advent
“I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord: I repeat, what I want is your happiness. “ The reading today contains these words from St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians. Strange words we might think when we see so much unhappiness in the world, the greater world around us, and the world we are living in at the present. So many people are hurting, so many people have troubles, and pain.
But this is Christmas, a time when we are supposed to be happily anticipating the celebration of the birth of our Saviour. We are involved in a whirlwind of parties and events to celebrate the season. The children are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Father Christmas, and the presents that will cover the floor beneath the Christmas tree.
St. Paul goes on to tell us: “There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving….”. I don’t think that St. Paul was talking about material things when he was making this statement, he was talking about the truly important things, like peace, and contentment, and the happiness that comes from having a soul at peace, and a heart filled with contentment. He continues: “…. And that peace of God, which is so much greater than we understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.”
What a gift to be granted in this Christmas season; the peace of God to those that are hurting. Such a precious gift indeed. When I look over the past year that brought such happiness to my family with the birth of my grandson Dominik, and then such sadness with the loss of Jason, Hannah and Jack Porter in February, it is almost too much to fathom. It shows how quickly our own personal universe can be tilted on its axis. One moment we are counting our blessings, the next we are dealing with an almost unimaginable grief.
My daughter and her family have decided to go away this year, and to not celebrate Christmas at all. The thought of celebrating this happy season when the pain of losing their loved ones is still so fresh and raw is more than they can handle. I understand their decision, and hope that they find comfort in each other’s presence in this time which is supposed to be so joyful. I wish for them that the peace of God settles upon their hearts and souls, and will guard them, and comfort them.
In this season of joy and happiness, let us remember to take a moment to remember that for some people, this season is painful because it is a reminder of those lost to them. Let us remember to be a comfort to them and help them find the peace of God. In this season of gift giving, let us also remember the words that are inscribed on a photo frame that a dear friend gave me for my recent birthday “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other”. That is more precious than all the worldy riches we could ever attain. It is the greatest gift of all.
To all my friends who have helped me deal with my heartaches this year, know that I understand that you have been sent by God to bring His peace to me. And I thank Him, and bless each and every one of you. You have enriched my life and filled it with countless blessings.
May God Bless us all.
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