Joy and Sorrow: Christmas Time Reflection

Tyson Mostenbocker shared a phrase his mother used to say to him. It was joy and sorrow holding hands. I remember hearing this for the first time, but I’ve pondered this idea for the last few years. It’s an idea that, the older I get, I think I understand more. For instance, with the Christmas season, I realize that there can be a lot of unbridled joy and deep sadness. I work in the social service field, for instance. Although the season calls for celebration, people are still lacking food, sleeping in cars, and dealing with injustices.

The idea of this coexisting joy and sorrow is also one that is found throughout scripture. The easiest example of this is in the life of Jesus. Jesus came into this world and brought great joy. Yet, in his life, he also had to give himself to death. Of course, great joy comes from the resurrection, but the resurrection doesn’t mean our lives become easier. We still have to deal with the way life throws things at us. I can love Jesus and still experience loss. I can love Jesus and still be abused by another individual. Joy and sorrow hold hands in life.

I can imagine someone reading this and feeling like my worldview is a half-empty perspective. The truth is, I have hope that joy wins out in the end. I know that Jesus comes back and wipes away all tears and restores life. I hold onto that because I know this life isn’t the end for me. Yet, I think the idea of joy and sorrow holding hands inspires me to realize that the people we interact with share this similarity. We all understand the joys in life and those moments of sorrow. This can obviously vary by situation, but as humans, we can understand the mountaintop moments and the low points in life.

As I reflect on this season, I can look with compassion on those who are struggling. I can also celebrate with those who are doing well. The tension of joy and sorrow coexisting doesn’t have to be negative. It can give us the opportunity to respond with kindness and empathy. It can give us a reason to rally alongside one another and support each other. This should be especially true for believers in Jesus. We should celebrate with those in good times and sit alongside those in moments of sadness.

Joy and sorrow are two parts of life that will constantly interact with us throughout life. They are a part of the human experience that connects us. In a season of wonder, joy, and hope, why not sit in a place where we can understand our neighbor through the shared human experience of joy and sorrow? Why not connect with our neighbors through our God-given purpose to love one another?