Joy

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

The shepherds were afraid when they first saw the angels. Can you imagine if you are out, minding your own business and your sheep, and an angel just pops out of nowhere? The scariest thing before this may have been watching out for wolves. Then after this angel speaks, there is a whole multitude of heavenly angels singing "Glory to God in the highest!" What a night! And these shepherds aren't even the ones who had the baby.

Months before this, Mary accepted God's call. An angel approached her, also saying 'do not be afraid,' and told her she would be the mother of the Savior. A young girl, her whole future changed in an instant. Though she didn't know she was designed for this future from the beginning. Her reply? “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) She was filled with joy. 

As Christmas comes nears, the "joy" is dependent on things: lights, festivities, presents, etc. Even young children who aren't taught the true meaning find joy in the idea of Santa Claus, reindeer, how many presents they will get, etc. And how long do these presents suffice? A month or two before the next super cool item comes out? About 3 months after Christmas, most toys and presents are no longer in use, if they lasted that long. And the "joy" from Christmas is done.

Our joy in Christmas is about that young girl who said "yes" 2000 years ago. Our joy should be our continual "yes" we say each week at Mass. Our joy should be today, as God asks us to continue that "yes" and spread the good news. 

Here are some questions to ponder as we begin this third week of Advent:

• Joy means happy, delight or rejoice. What are some things that bring us joy at Christmas? (family, gifts, parties, etc.)
• Why did the angels say that the news of Jesus’ birth is great joy? (Because he came to be the Savior of all people.)
• The Christmas carol Joy to the World includes the line, “let every heart prepare him [Jesus] room.” Have you prepared room in your heart for Jesus by trusting in him as your Savior? Have we prepared room in our Christmas activities for him?

Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus who came to be the Savior for everyone who trusts in him. Help us to remember that Jesus came to save us and help us to share the great joy of this good news with one another. Amen.