Have you ever noticed how often joy is paired with suffering in the
Scriptures? Abraham and Sarah long for a child into their old age before
they are given the joy of a son. The Israelites only experience the joy
of being freed from slavery, after having suffered for many years at
the hands of the Egyptians. Job loses all his worldly goods, his
children, his health, only to have it all restored back to him. Further,
in the letters of St. Paul, we hear again and again the urge to rejoice
in our sufferings: “Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the
sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians
2:17-18)
We should not be surprised, then, that when God became man, the
Christmas joy of the shepherds comes after years of waiting for a Savior
while suffering at the hands of oppressive governments. Or that the
very reason for our joy at God become man can only be realized after
this God made Man suffers and dies for us on the Cross...
Read the rest at the National Catholic Register...
Confessions of a Catholic Mom and Philosopher's Wife