On this special ‘Gaudete Sunday’ of Advent we are called to ‘Rejoice!’ as we continue waiting for Christmas to come.

All during the holidays we sing about joy, we look for joy, we try to be joyful. Sometimes we confuse joy with merrymaking and all-smiles happiness.

But, joy is so much more.

“Joy is the noblest human act.” St. Thomas Aquinas

Joy is not some bubbled-head happiness that depends on what happens. Joy comes from within the heart, sometimes deep within when the horribles squash and pummel our internal deal-with-it muscles to near-oblivion.

Joy chooses to have faith in God’s love, mercy and grace to carry us through whatever tough stuff faces us and sustain our hurting hearts (however deep our hurts may be.)

Joy does not mean pain-free living, but does not let pain drive us to darkness. Joy chooses to follow the Light, even when it’s hard at times to see the dimmest flicker.

Joy finds value in the rubble of decimated lives, because those lives are valuable. Joy comes from a well of Love transported on wings of compassion that lifts up the brokenhearted.

Joy finds and grows roses in the rubble of our lives (and rubble that surrounds us), watering them with extra helpings of faith, hope and love.

At the end (or beginning) of the day, joy is a choice.

“Joy is not simply a matter of temperament. It is hard to be joyful – all the more reason why we should make it grow in our hearts. Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love; joy is a net of love by which we catch others.” Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)

AND, JOY IS NOT COMPLICATED!

Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea with a friend, soaking in a sunrise or sunset, taking a walk in nature, fellowshipping with family, spending time in quiet prayer: uncomplicated joy boils down to choices and an attentive attitude on the lookout opportunities to find (and be) joy.

Joy comes in all shapes and sizes.

Often when we least expect it, joy surprises.

… & Joy is what this season of Advent is all about.

Light coming into the darkness. Light incarnated.

Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Joy is possible, because Jesus Christ is.

grace, peace & JOY

Virginia : )

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)