Advent Devotion 4 – Are you happy?

“I saw how ideally politics filled the Greek definition of happiness – ‘a full use of your powers along lines of excellence in a life-affording scope.’” These words of John F. Kennedy, quoted in the biography, An Unfinished Life, by Robert Dallek [p. 111] reveal Kennedy’s motivation for going into public service. He felt that in politics he would find happiness. It was a calling that would require his full abilities and would make a contribution to the good of the world.

The Greek view of happiness very much fits with the Christian view of a good life, a fulfilling life. Jesus teaches that the way of joy is a life of self giving for the good of others. We find our highest good when we give our lives away for the benefit of the world. That’s what our faith tradition teaches about happiness and a good life.

This is far cry from how the world tends to see happiness especially in this season of Christmas. We are bombarded with messages that tell us that happiness comes from giving someone a certain gift. The right toy. The beautiful piece of jewelry. The new car. The huge TV. Want to put a smile on someone’s face? Give them something new, glittery, and expensive. But seeking happiness that way is hollow and fleeting. It does not last.

It’s ironic that a holy day honoring someone who was poor, had very few material possessions, and gave his life away for others, is celebrated by the spending of millions of dollars on things which don’t ultimately contribute to longterm happiness and, for the most part, don’t make the world a better place.

If we want to be happy this Christmas, or any time, the perspective of the Greeks and of Jesus are worth considering. We think about how we are spending our money, but we must think, also, about how we are spending our lives. Are we making a full use of our powers along lines of excellence in a life-affording scope? Are we heartily engaged in changing the world? Bringing peace on earth, good will to all?

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11

Prayer: In this season of presents and parties, may we center our lives on true happiness. May we look to the life of Jesus as our guide for the good life. May we give ourselves to our highest good and to the good of the world. Amen.