On this third Sunday of Advent, joy is the theme. Everyone is asked to bring a joyful spirit and a willingness to sing to the Lord. Not everyone feels what we commonly associate with joy. The holidays are difficult for some people. A meaning of joy that does not rely on pleasant circumstances is explored in this message.

For people of faith, true joy is found in doing things God's way and trusting that God's way is right for all persons. We realize that emptiness is found in every other way, so we commit and recommit ourselves to God's way, despite what it costs us. In doing so, Mary's song of joy can become our song. The key to making it so is being able to rejoice in God's presence and providence regardless of our circumstances. It is learning to affirm the spiritual significance and fruitful possibilities to be found in our difficulties and suffering, instead of waiting for fair weather and pleasant circumstances. To do so will assure that the gift of true joy, born of faith, will become our song.