During the Christmas season this well-known carol can be heard in many places; on television, on the radio, in the mall. Although we hear the word joy more frequently during the Christmas season, it is something that human beings seek year round.

What is joy? It can be defined as a feeling of happiness or contentment; an expression of pleasure or delight. I recently read a quote by Melba Colgrove that said “Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.”

In Galatians 5:22 the Apostle Paul lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit; along with love, peace, patience, faith and benevolence. These are attributes are produced automatically in a life that is connected to God.

 Do you have joy? What does it feel like? What does it look like?

Disneyland has been described as “ the happiest place on earth”. The music, the characters and the attractions are all designed to evoke joy. I love watching the wonder in children’s eyes as they see one of their favorite Disney characters. It’s also fun to watch adults loosen up and enjoy the experience. It is a place where you can really feel like a kid again – and it’s O.K. to express that joy.

Sometimes it’s difficult to find joy in our world. The newspapers, television news programs and online news outlets operate on a 24 hour cycle so we are constantly bombarded with news – much of it bad.  With so many negative events happening all around us, how do we find the joy?  There is no magic formula but sometimes it’s closer then we think. It can be found in little things like a baby’s smile or an adorable puppy. I’ve been known to find it in a warm chocolate chip cookie from time to time.  

“…and heaven and nature sing”

Joy can be found in the beauty of creation; in a spectacular sunset, in the fragrance of a beautiful rose or in a refreshing spring rain shower.

“…and wonders of His love”

Joy can be found in reflecting on all of the wonderful things that God has provided and continues to provide.  When I was a girl one of the choruses we sang in church was “I get joy when I think about what He’s done for me.”

At other times joy can come upon you quite unexpectedly. I had that experience recently when my sister called me on the telephone. She was spending time with her grandchildren, ages 2 and 3 who had learned a song that they wanted to sing for me. They sang “Jesus Love Me” right into the phone, loudly and with great gusto and they were too cute.  Those two little angelic voices brought me such joy that day that I still smile every time of think of them.

Joy may be “the feeling of grinning inside” but it tends to spill over to the outside and it is contagious. When you’ve got it, others can see it.

You might not be able to bring joy to the entire world, but you can bring joy to YOUR world.  Have a very Merry Christmas!!