Joy

The time before Christmas in today’s world is often one of chaos and stress, as people feel compelled to “shop ‘til they drop,” attend all manner of social celebrations (office Christmas parties, etc.), and argue about the use of crèches and even the word Christmas.

In the Church, this particular Sunday before Christmas, the third Sunday of Advent, is traditionally known as a time of joy: Gaudete Sunday.

This theme of joy is sung gloriously in today’s first reading (Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11), as the prophet exults in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit flowing upon him.

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me....

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation....

As St. Paul tells us (Galatians 5:22), joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

No matter how chaotic things may be, no matter what pressures may fall upon us, we can always have joy – overflowing in abundance or deep within our souls – if we keep open and docile to the Holy Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Veni, veni, Emmanuel.