I must admit there have been times when I have been grumpy after reading an author who absolutely insists that people of faith should all be joyful, like, all the time.

 

Really? How is that possible when there is so much that is bad, sad, destructive and horrible in the world? When looking ahead means viewing future loneliness, suffering and frustration? When loved ones die? When a job weighs on the employee who feels trapped in it? And so on.

 

Is a negative view a matter of being realistic and of avoiding a falsely positive approach to things that are not likely to work out? Or is general negativity a habit that can be changed?

 

However we feel about it, we have to admit that negativity is not a virtue, but joy, in fact, is. That virtue of joy also is much more attractive than a sour view of things. If we are to share the Good News of Christ, we probably should work to cultivate joy.

 

Advent is a perfect season to begin. This is a season of expectation, of looking forward with hope to the Savior of the world both when He became incarnate those 2,000 plus years ago, and when He will come again and put all things right. Evil will vanish, and we will be safe(!) with Him forever.

 

Our faith gives us that assurance and prompts us to respond to God’s love with love, and with faith and hope as well. Embracing the joy that Jesus brings makes sense even to the most naturally pessimistic believer.

 

God simply is so great and grand that He can do what He promises. We can ask for the grace of joy — and then we must follow that with a willingness to accept that grace when it is given.

 

We might even want to ponder that joy is realistic. It’s not a Pollyanna/rose-colored glasses view of life. It is more a matter of recognizing the bad things before us, while rejoicing anyway in the power and goodness of Christ that will win out over all the sin and misery. The more we remind ourselves of that truth, the more we will have joy in that “secret” knowledge that should be much more known throughout the world.

 

Christ-Joy is not the same as the transitory happiness we can enjoy when things go our way and when we gain something we desire. That by its nature is passing. Things will not always go our way, and there is always something else to desire.

 

Having joy in God is a matter of placing our faith, hope and love in the One who is eternal. We can rejoice in (but not necessarily enjoy) His being and His love. Joy from Jesus is more spiritual than for us to enjoy a meal, someone’s company, or an affirmation of some kind. The inner joy of soul runs deeper and continues in the ups and downs of life.

 

In other words, God’s joy is a great virtue to have. It is worth our efforts and sacrifices to develop it. 

 

As with everything good, the first step is to ask God for His joy and His help to cultivate the seed of joy in our souls.

 

We can encourage this virtue to flourish in ourselves by becoming more accepting of God’s dreams for our lives and the lives of those we love. We can become more present to those around us and less concerned with ourselves. We can encourage our own creativity and develop a deep sense of wonder and appreciation of God’s creativity. 

 

We can welcome any hints of enthusiasm we feel for the beautiful parts of our world, including the glimpses of God’s kingdom. Such sightings will include times when we forgive someone, laugh with another, and cheer on someone else.

 

Jesus once promised His peace to His followers – a peace that is not as the world gives. Perhaps the same thing can be said about joy. It is not dependent on “enjoying” something.

 

This is a holy season of Joy to the World! Let’s ponder the Christ Child and how incredible is His love for us!

 

That, more than anything, can bring us joy.