(picture from USA Today)

 

Joyless World

by Lydia Rule, RTF Teen Staff Writer

In a mall located in Omaha, Nebraska, a shooter killed eight people and then took his own life as well.

As I read this news article, I couldn’t help but wonder WHY? Isn’t this the time of the year when people are supposed to be joyful? When little children sit and stare at their presents and wish that Christmas would arrive soon? Isn’t this supposed to be the time where people sing “Joy to the World” and think of others above themselves?

If this is true, then why is the world JOYLESS? Why would a troubled young shooter decide to end his life and the lives of eight other people just before Christmas?

I found a poem I wrote a long time ago that fit perfectly with this article. (Written to the tune of the Christmas carol, Joy to the World.)

Joyless World
 The Christ is banned
 The Earth’s denounced her King
 No place in any heart for him to stay
 Of Santa and gifts we sing
 Of Santa and gifts we sing
 Of Santa, of Santa, and gifts we sing

No longer can “Merry Christmas” stay
 Happy Holidays is here!!!
Our will be done on the earth
 For Mankind we raise a cheer
For Mankind we raise a cheer
For Mankind, Mankind we raise a cheer

When Christ is taken out of _____mas, the season loses something precious. The gifts, the lights, and all of the trees are reduced to selfishness. When there is no joy, then there is nothing for people to hold onto.

What if the Omaha shooter had found Christ’s Christmas gift of salvation instead of choosing to end his life? This Christmas, I want to challenge those who have the Ultimate Giver of Joy in their hearts to share that same joy with the people around them. Let Christ’s cross be your Christmas tree, let His joy be your gift to others, and make him the centerpiece of your celebrations.

Bio: Lydia Rule occasionally likes to ponder upon the deep subjects of life. However, in the midst of her ponderings, she will admit that she is curious about a certain well-wrapped box under the Christmas tree with her name on it.