Joy

"The last word is 'Joy!'" (Fr. Jake Randall, Notre Dame, early 80s).

"And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness." ~ Ps. 104:43.

"Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring news of great joy a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today, in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).

"All who would win joy," George Gordon Lord Byron once remarked, "must share it; happiness was born a twin."

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master" (Mt 25:23).

We are called--and empowered!--to "rejoice always."

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."

"The Lord takes delight in his people"

Psalm 149

¹ Hallelujah!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.a

² Let Israel be glad in its maker,
the people of Zion rejoice in their king.

³ Let them praise his name in dance,
make music with tambourine and lyre.

⁴ For the LORD takes delight in his people,
honors the poor with victory.

⁵ Let the faithful rejoice in their glory,
cry out for joy on their couches,

⁶ With the praise of God in their mouths,
and a two-edged sword in their hands,

⁷ To bring retribution on the nations,
punishment on the peoples,

⁸ To bind their kings in shackles,
their nobles in chains of iron,

⁹ To execute the judgments decreed for them—
such is the glory of all God’s faithful.
Hallelujah!

Links

• "When Christmas Isn't Christmas." Reflections on and antidotes to those who are having a "Blue Christmas."