Joy to the World 

   “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.  Let earth receive her King.  Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing.” (“Joy to the World”, lyrics by Isaac Watts) 

   Everyone wants joy and happiness in their life, but life doesn’t always provide.  Even when we do find joy and happiness in this world it is usually short-lived.  However, there is great joy to be found if we only look for it in the right places.

   There is incredible joy in the love of a man and woman joined together in a sacramental marriage.  A marriage not only between the husband and wife but one that includes God and His will.  The love that God gives is never-ending and when we seek it in our married life our love for each other rises to far greater heights.

   The laughter of a small child, especially the chuckle of a baby still to young to really laugh but old enough to know happiness brings great joy.  Parents will do most anything to bring that laughter again and again into their lives.

   The joy of having God in our hearts brings a different kind of joy than the world can bring.  Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14: 27).  The joy that God gives is, in the same way, not as the joy the world may give.  His joy is an everlasting joy far beyond this life; a joy that lasts through all eternity.

   Finding joy in this world is difficult and it does not last.  Finding joy in the Lord is easy and lasts forever.  When we open our hearts to Him, we will find the joy we seek.