Lets listen to the words of joy in todays Mass:
Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. -Philippians 4:4,5
First Reading: Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O daughter Jerusalem! -Zephaniah 3:14
Responsorial Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. -Isaiah 12:6
Second Reading: Brothers and Sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Philippians 4:4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why this URGING to joy? Arent we already joyful? With the decorations and countless Christmas parties and graduations and celebrations? Look at all the joy! Sometimes it feels superficial.
Yet, these words of Scripture remain and call us deeper. We simultaneously see great suffering in this time of year. People hurt deeply during festive times, and during Christmas especially.