Joy in Advent: How to Find True Happiness in Christ

Advent is a special time of the year for Catholics. It is a time of waiting, preparing, and longing for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Advent is also a time of joy, because we know that God loves us so much that he sent his only Son to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life.

But what is joy? And how can we experience it in our daily lives, especially in the midst of the challenges we face on the global stage? Is joy just a feeling that comes and goes depending on our circumstances? Or is it something deeper, more lasting, and more meaningful?

Joy is a gift from God

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1832). This means that joy is not something we can produce by ourselves, but it is a gift that we receive from God through his Spirit. Joy is not just an emotion, but a state of being that comes from knowing, loving, and serving God.

Joy is also a sign of God’s presence and action in our lives. As Pope Francis said in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel):

The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. (EG 1)

Joy is not something we can fake or force. It is a natural response to encountering Jesus, who is the source and summit of our faith. Joy is also contagious. It spreads to others when we share the good news of Jesus with them.

Joy is different from happiness

Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is often based on external factors, such as having good health, wealth, success, or pleasure. Happiness can be fleeting and fragile, depending on our changing situations. Happiness can also be selfish and superficial, if it does not lead us to God or to others.

Joy, on the other hand, is based on internal factors, such as having faith, hope, and love. Joy can endure and grow, even in times of suffering, hardship, or persecution. Joy can also be selfless and profound, if it leads us to God and to others.

As Saint Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:4-7)

Saint Paul wrote these words while he was in prison, facing possible death for preaching the gospel. Yet he was able to rejoice in the Lord always, because he knew that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ (Rom 8:35-39). He also knew that God would provide for his needs and give him peace.

Joy is a challenge for Advent

Joy is not something we can take for granted or ignore. Joy is a challenge for us as Christians, especially during Advent. Advent is a penitential season, which means that we are called to repent from our sins and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent is also a joyful season, which means that we are called to rejoice in the nearness of Christ and his love for us.

The Church emphasizes this balance by naming this Sunday – the third Sunday of Advent “Gaudete Sunday”, which means “Rejoice Sunday”. On this day, we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, which symbolizes joy. Rose-colored vestments are worn at Mass to express this joy.

The readings from Holy Mass remind us that joy is not something we can achieve by ourselves, but it is a gift that we receive from God. They also remind us that joy is not something we can keep to ourselves, but it is a gift that we share with others.

Joy is a mission for the world

Joy is not only a bit of a challenge in the times we live, but it is also a mission for the world. The world needs joy, especially in these times of crisis, violence, and despair. The world needs to hear and see the joy of the gospel, which can transform hearts and lives.

As Pope Francis said in Evangelii Gaudium:

I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. (EG 3)

We can encounter Jesus in many ways: in prayer, in the sacraments, in the Scriptures, in the Church, in the poor, in creation, and in our daily lives. We can also share Jesus with others in many ways: by our words, by our actions, by our witness, by our service, by our generosity, and by our joy.

Joy is not an optional accessory for Christians. It is an essential part of our identity and mission. Joy is what makes us attractive and credible as disciples of Christ. Joy is what makes us fully alive and fully human.

As Saint Irenaeus said: “The glory of God is man fully alive; moreover man’s life is the vision of God.”

Let us pray that this Advent season may fill us with joy and hope in Christ. Let us also pray that we may spread this joy and hope to the world.