The joy of advent comes with an inspiring message, John 1:6-8, 19-28 of hope and encouragement urging us to rejoice and be happy because the Lord is near. More so, it tells us that joy is basic to being Christian and our vocation is to radiate this joy. Experience tells us that rejoicing is not always the hallmark of a Christian. It has been associated with sadness. Many of us are more familiar with the gospel message of carrying the cross than of its characteristic of joy. While there is hardship and suffering in the life of Jesus, there is joy which is compatible with pain. We were created for happiness. It is the purpose of our whole being and we spend our lives searching and striving to attain it.
On the first Christmas when God came down in the person of Jesus, He filled the world with glad tidings of great joy. His life was geared towards God the Father in joy, prayer and thanksgiving. There is no greater proof of love than to give of ourselves to others. The happiest people are those who are doing most for others. They know from experience that it is in giving that we receive.
Fr. Arsenio