Christmas Joy Where Light Meets the Dark Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

! Such powerful words such a powerful directive. When were wrapped in Christmas splendour, immersed in joyous activity and surrounded by happiness, these words ring naturally. Its easy to rejoice when all is right with the world. The world makes sense; and to worship our Lord is a natural extension of the fruitful, fulfilling state of our hearts and minds. But when we let ourselves get stuck in selfimposed turmoil; when were trapped by loneliness, loss, anger, fear, or hate; or when we are stunned into an emotionless state by events that hurt beyond comprehension: these words confront us, and we puzzle at how we can possibly be asked to reach a state of true rejoicing. But rejoice we must! For the power of the Love that is offered to us is the same power that allows us to heal. Especially now in the Christmas season, we relive the moments when Gods love touched the earth in the form of a human child a child whose life, and death, changed everything. When we can see that love through fresh eyes, understand how freely it has been given to us, and take that love into our own hearts, we can let go of the power-struggle, release the anger, dispel the loneliness, quell the fear, and dissolve the hatred. We can go from numbness and shock, to genuine grief, compassion, love and forgiveness. In our darkest moments, we can turn to our God and he will respond with his grace. He will replace the negativity with his light, his comfort and his peace, and envelope us in his loving, healing care. It is at that moment that we begin to understand that we can rejoice even in the midst of swirling emotions, gripping life experiences and devastating events. For there is no greater care than that offered by our Lord. We dont have to carry the world on our shoulders. We dont need to shut ourselves off and build walls around us to protect us from the outside. In fact, we dont have to be anxious about anything for the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7) As we release the negativity - as we allow our walls to fall down - and let our hearts be touched and freed from these barriers, we can rest, secure in the knowledge of his everlasting care. Now with fresh, renewed vision, we can keep our sights set on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy [we can] think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9). Let the Light of Gods care and love touch the darkness of your world. Let the tender healing begin. And then let your new gentleness be evident to all, for the Lord is near and for that we can truly rejoice and experience the real joy of Christmas. Our most heartfelt prayers go out to the dear families from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. May the healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ descend, envelope, infuse and restore peace, love, forgiveness and joy in the presence of such loss and heartache. Richest Christmas blessings to all.