Joy Beyond Emotion

“Joy is more than an emotion, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Pope Francis

There is something that excites me when we light the pink candle in Advent. Maybe it gives me the same feeling of anticipation I had when I ran marathons, getting closer and closer to the finish line, but in this case, it's the preparation for Baby Jesus. Perhaps it's because the pink candle is different from the others, and something about it feels new. Or maybe there's a natural feeling of joy that comes with being closer to Christmas, surrounded by the decorative environment, celebration, music, and time with loved ones. Excitement and joy can be an experience for many, but for others, it may also be a bittersweet time – the first Christmas without a loved one, family divisions preventing a “normal” celebration, or waiting for a particular gift from God that hasn't arrived yet, requiring more patience. People experience various emotions during Christmas, and I want to honor each one because one thing we can always believe is that Christ draws near in both sorrow and joy.

Joy will be our focus this Gaudete Sunday, and “Gaudete” means “Rejoice.” Joy is such a simple, three-letter word, yet it is filled with so much depth. As I learned more about this word through my experiences, I discovered that my joy was derived from the clarity and declaration of God’s truth, beauty, and goodness in my life and vocation. I realized that as I became more fully who God designed me to be and lived in my true identity, that is where joy increased within me. I found joy where I discovered my purpose and to whom I belong. Whatever trials come my way, I can find triumph in God. Joy comes when what is lost is found.

Here are some of the messages that resonated with me this year:

1. True Christian joy comes from knowing we are loved.

   The result of love is experiencing joy. It is what we were made for.

2. “God made us for joy. God is joy, and the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us.” - Pope St. John Paul II

3. Joy is not determined by our sorrows but by hope in hardship.

   Joy can come from believing God promises something greater than the current circumstances we face.

4. Joy doesn’t mean we push away our grief but is a decision to believe in God’s goodness to come.

   Grief is a part of healing, but joy will always follow.

5. “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5

6. “The soul of the one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps a holiday, and is always in the mood for singing.” - St. John of the Cross

   A life with God is full of joy.

7. “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10

I hope these reminders bring you consolation during our preparation for the coming of The King, who is our good news of great joy.