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Finding Our Joy

Preparing for Christmas and the birth of Jesus is a happy time, right? But what if we’re feeling a little sad at this time of year? Maybe we are missing someone who is not with us or we have concerns, fears, or worries about the Christmas season? Does this mean that there is something wrong with us or our faith?

 

Not at all. These feelings are normal and felt by so many of us. No holiday stirs up more feelings, memories and emotions than Christmas, and many of our strongest feelings are connected to our families and friends. Memories reminds us of what is important, and sometimes we are reminded of what we are missing or have lost, also.  

 

Thankfully, within each of us is the ability to notice, however small, the things that bring us joy each day. Sometimes this will be hard to do, including at Christmas, because things feel different or difficult. “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day” (Henri Nouwen). Joy is powerful, enhances our well-being, and can improve our daily life. We all deserve more joy.  Today’s Wellness Wednesday is all about finding our joy.    

 

Try This:  

As a class, group, or family:  

 

A few tips… 

  • Let go of society’s expectations of what Christmas (or life) looks like (i.e., in the movies, on social media, etc.) or what it should feel/be like. There is much beauty to be found in a simple Christmas with those you love. Try to let go of all the pressure you feel and make the holidays your own.  
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  • Understand that it is OK to say no. Boundaries are an important part of taking care of yourself and your family. Sometimes that means you need to say no.  
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  • Focus on finding joy, especially in the simple moments. “Joy seems to me a step beyond happiness. Happiness is a sort of atmosphere you can live in sometimes when you’re lucky. Joy is a light that fills you with hope and faith and love” (Adele Rogers St. John’s). Joy is from God’s goodness, presence, protection, and sovereignty. It runs deep and it can be present even during unhappy times – an act of kindness, time with friends, participating in a favourite activity, listening to music, a moment alone, etc.  
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  • Implement a practice of gratitude (i.e., gratitude journal, saying a gratitude at dinner or every day at 2pm, etc.). Brené Brown shares that “practicing gratitude invites joy into our lives”.  
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Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer: 

What are you thankful for? 

What brings you joy? 

How can you choose to be joyful during the holidays, even though they may feel different?  

 

Connecting to our faith: 

Let us pray: God of all compassion be near to us in our sadness as well as our joy. May we lean on you in hard times and find in you a shelter for life’s storms. Amen 

The third Sunday of Advent focuses on JOY. We are encouraged to rejoice at the new life being offered to us through Jesus Christ.  

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) 

God draws us near in our sadness. Just as we turn to God in gratitude when we are happy, so can we turn to God when we are sad. We can rely on God’s presence within us to provide the strength and consolation we need. 

 

Further Learning: 

 

Employees of LDCSB check out WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell 

 

 

 

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