December is upon us and the advent season is in full swing. The anticipation for Christmas builds as Christmas lights, trees, music and food fill our homes. There is nothing better than driving around and seeing the excitement of the Season beginning. It’s the happiest time of the year! The joy that the Christmas season brings is something special. Some have even told me it’s when they are happiest. Yes, Advent and Christmas are indeed joy-filled with family, friends and memories. But, it is also true that joy is attainable in all circumstances and phases of life. Christmas brings happiness and celebration but as the month comes to a close, the Christmas Trees are taken down, the lights are unhung and the holiday playlists are put on pause until next year. The Joy of Christmas has reached its end.

This is not the way it has to be. The happiness that celebrating and decorating brings isn’t the source of joy of the season. It’s because the celebration is rooted in anticipation of Christ’s birth. Christ is the root of pure joy. During the preparation for Christmas, Advent reminds us of Christ’s coming and that He is the reason for the season. At the heart of every party, decoration and song is celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ. What if as we journeyed through life, we kept Jesus at the center of our hearts? What if we celebrated the goodness, truth and beauty of God in everything we do? What if through every circumstance, we remain filled with gratitude for all God has given us?

In my experience, joy is something that is so easily seen in others. I always longed to glow in joy of the Lord and resonate His love just as others who are truly joyful do. Even in the saddest, most heartbreaking moments of my life, joy has never been far from reach. Joy was always near, whether it was the joy from the people around me or eventually the joy that came from deepening my faith and surrendering my heart to Christ’s love. 

As we continue through our advent journey, let us reflect upon the meaning of true joy. The joy that Christ made attainable to us in everyday life. The joy of living in His love. An easy way to begin the path to finding joy is through gratitude. Simply start by thanking God for all that He has done, all that He is doing and all that He will do.