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"
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."