As we approach Christmas, this Third Week of Advent emphasizes the joy of Jesus' birth. Joy is an experience of profound happiness in our hearts. This joy is something we associate with spontaneity. Hope, peace, joy, and love are all things that God places in us and should be ongoing attitudes in our lives.

Jesus Christ has made a unique appearance in this world to encourage us to become happy and joyful people. We experience heavenly blessings every day because He has filled our lives with an abundance of graces. And yet, God’s presence and loving care in our lives are often ignored. Even so, Jesus has made supreme sacrifices for humanity in order to provide us with genuine happiness. The coming of the Prince of Peace is like a newborn baby in a family who fills the entire family with abundant joy and life. It is the immense joy that the Word became flesh and lived among us as one of us.

Rejoice! The Savior is coming to save us from all torments, sufferings, and agonies. His coming is meant to make us the protectors of our brothers and sisters who are shattered, broken, and going through difficulties. Our duty as followers of Christ is to be people of love, compassion, forgiveness, serving others with delight and being peacemakers. By doing this for our brothers and sisters, we will experience the joy of Jesus' arrival on this planet.

Like the Virgin Mary the mother of God, who shared her joy with Elizabeth, today each of us is invited to be a person of joy, and we are asked to share that joy with the entire world. Many people who are familiar to us, and some of whom we may even have met, have little reason to be happy during this time of year. May we follow Mary’s example with her cousin Elizabeth, spreading our joy with all those who meet us. May we be filled with immense happiness as we wait for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Br. Shovon Victor Costa, C.S.C., is a member of the St. Joseph Province in Bangladesh. He professed his Final Vows on August 18, 2023, along with seven other brothers from his Province. He currently serves as the Director of Vocations for the St. Joseph Province.