Today as I was reflecting on the holiday season my favorite subject was brought to mind, JOY! As I sat imagining young Mary in a manger giving birth to her first born son, Jesus, I was reminded of the birth of my own first born son Gabriel, not in a manger, but in my bed at home. Remembering the influx of emotion I experienced that day as a new mother, takes me back to the indescribable, exceedingly, great joy the birth of my son brought to me.
My own sense of joy was just the beginning, as Gabriel’s first breath began a ripple effect moving outward that today continues to touch others who are privileged to be a part of his life.
It could be said that the wise follow their joy! In Psalm 16:11, King David reminds us, “You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
At Christ’s birth an angel of the Lord appeared to a small band of shepherds who were in a nearby field watching their sheep. The angel said,
"I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10
Life and joy are meant to go hand and hand and yet how often do we stray for the simplicity of joy. St. Ignatius was known for the daily practice of contemplating what brought him joy during the day and what robbed him of joy.
From the first moment of life we are to breathe in the great joy that is for all the people and it should never stop! If you have wondered away from the joy in your life, stop right now and reflect on the great joy that you're invited to partake in, “a great joy for all the people.”
