Christian Joy

Gaudete Sunday

December 13-14, 2008

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

Christian Joy

Gaudete Sunday goes back to the old time when Advent was a period of deep penance and fasting. The priest used to wear vestments with the penitential color of purple or violet. In order to remind the people that Advent is a preparation for the very joyful occasion of the birth of Jesus, the priest wore “rose” vestments on the third Sunday Advent.

We have a similar break during middle of the Lenten season – Laetare Sunday - when the priest also wears “rose” vestments.

Rose or pink is not just for girls, and it is not just a pretty color. Its lovely color also indicates deep joy. This is common theme running through today’s readings - deep joy and hope as we wait and prepare for the rebirth of Jesus in our hearts and lives.

The first reading tells us that we should rejoice because the promised messiah is coming as our savior and liberator, saving us by liberating us from our bondages.

The Psalm is taken from Mary's “Magnificat,” in which she exclaims: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit finds joy in God my savior.

St. Paul in the second reading advises us to “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances (be joyful) give thanks” for this is the will of God for all of us who love Jesus.

Today’s gospel tells us that John the Baptist came as a witness to testify to the Light. His purpose is to lead us to Jesus, the Light of the world. John the Baptist is pointing us that Jesus is the only source of our joy. Joy that lasts forever.

Advent Preparation
On this Gaudete Sunday, we are now halfway in our Advent journey toward Christmas, we need to stop and reflect. We need to ask ourselves today honestly, how do you feel this Sunday? Is the nearness of Christmas causes you some deep joy in your life? Are you too busy that you didn’t have the time to even think about it?

In our culture today, Advent is spent is sending Xmas cards, buying presents, attending year-end parties and then, the day after Christmas, its all over. The Christmas carols disappear and immediately we shift our attention to the coming New Year.

As we come closer to Christmas with the hard times and busyness we are experiencing now, let us remember that the first Christmas was poor and simple.

We need to rememeber that Advent season was traditionally a quiet, somber, deeply prayerful time of the Church. It was a time for a spiritual preparation for Christmas.

Our remaining days before Christmas must be a time of revival and renewal of our faith, thus a time of re-discovering our deep joy.

The Rose candle is that is now shining before us beautifully is not only a decoration. Its symbolism strongly challenges us to ask ourselves: What is the source of your joy? Is there joy in your life? Are you still searching for joy and peace?

Joy vs Happiness
Have you ever wonder the difference between joy and happiness?
At first glance, joy and happiness seem to be similar but, really, when we look them closely they are quite different.

Happiness, according to the Australian Oxford Paperback dictionary, is a feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. It is usually based on luck or good fortune. Joy on the other hand, is described as extreme gladness. The pleasure that joy brings is deeper than emotion.

Happiness depends on circumstance; joy, on our emotional well-being. We may be happy if we win the lottery, but we feel joy when there is peace within us or in our family and loved ones.

Happiness mostly depends on something that is temporary. For instance I am happy with my new beautiful shoes but after a while, when my shoes become torn and ugly, would I still be happy? I am happy with my new hairstyle, but after few weeks my hair will grow again and I am no longer 'happy'. I am happy with my new iphone, but then after a few months for sure a new model will come out to the market, an upgraded better iphone will beat it. We see as soon as object of what makes us happy is downgraded or perhaps taken away from us then our original quality of happiness lessens.

Happiness is most of the time is self-centered. I want this I want that. I deserved this toy and I deserved that. I deserve want to be happy. It is interesting that “I” is the center of the word happiness. It seems to suggest that our search for happiness makes us the center of the universe.

In contrast Joy as being a state of mind does not depend on material things such as on more money, bigger cars, or longer holidays. Joy is always a part of who we are and how we view the world.

A person don’t have to be supermodel… powerful, popular, beautiful, or healthy...to be joyous.

Joy is something we discover. Joy is always within our nature as human. Joy is something innate to us. Joy is always simple. We find joy simply when we appreciate life. We find joy simply when enjoy our freedom. We find joy simply we appreciate the presence of people us. We discover joy simply when we admit to ourselves that we are not alone, there is God that is larger than ourselves.

Understanding the difference between joy and happiness is not about seeing one as better than the other, but rather about recognizing and celebrating the differences.

It’s up to us how to balance our priority: Would search for happiness or for joy? Would you invest your time and money search for joy or happiness.

What would you like to give your children this Christmas - happiness or joy?

JOY: Jesus Others You
There is only one person that can give lasting joy and peace.

John the Baptist says in the Gospel that he is the Messiah is one among us who is not recognised. It can be a real tragedy, with all the lights us, to miss the true Light, the source of joy, our Lord Jesus Christ.

The word JOY itself give us the key to find joy in our life. To love Jesus first, to Love others second, to love Yourself last.

"Lord Jesus, help us not only to find joy in life but also help us to be a faithful witness of the joy of the gospel. This Christmas help us to point others to you as the source of our joy. Help us to immitate John the Baptist who in his witnessing found joy in you. Amen.




readings: www.alive.com; captured fire by joseph krempa