Find the Hope in this Season of Joy

Look at the news on television; pick up a newspaper or look at your own life and it’s clear that not very much changes just because it’s Christmas.

Even though it’s Christmas we have young American men and women still fighting for freedom in far away places. Some have given up their lives and will never come home.

Even though it’s Christmas we know there are hungry children living in poverty or with abuse. Their stories are heart wrenching.

Even though it’s Christmas we continue to deal with the problems in our own families, and within our circles of friends. We all know someone who is desperately ill or in emotional or mental pain and the holidays do little to ease their suffering.

Even though it’s Christmas, there are corrupt politicians and other professionals who would dishonor their oaths of office and leave us all just a little more cynical and jaded.

Even though it’s Christmas, the season of joy, the world can seem to be a very joyless place.

So where is this joy in this Season of Joy?

Even though we have sacrificed so much to bring peace to the world, there is joy is to be found in the selflessness of this generation of Americans who are willing to lay down their lives to save others. Their lives will never be forgotten and their families have earned our eternal gratitude.

Even though many continue to live in poverty, there are many more who try to help at Christmas and throughout the year. Our police and firefighters, our volunteers, our health care professionals, our teachers and all those who work to make the lives of others better, bring us joy this holiday season. They brighten up the darkness.

Even though we continue to be disappointed by some public officials, the hard work of so many other politicians helps to make our communities better places. And there is great joy to be found in caring communities.

We can all find the absence of joy in our lives. We can all focus on what is missing or difficult or beyond our control. We can all forget what is good and right and just.

Look instead into the eyes of a youngster this Christmas season. Reach out to help someone in need or to thank someone who has spent his or her life dedicated to helping others. Count your blessings and find what is right in the world. Even though the world can sometimes seem like a cold and cruel place, Christmas is a spiritual nudge, reminding us that it can also be filled with joy.