by Kathryn Wilcox

Created on: October 04, 2010   Last Updated: October 05, 2010

I picked up a copy of Fulton Sheen’s book, Preface To Religion, and got stuck in the first few pages. He was explaining the difference between happiness and joy.  I had thought they were pretty much the same thing. Sheen, however, defines our search for happiness or pleasure as chasing “If only's.”  We are constantly going through a list in our heads -  “if only” I had a different job, house, furniture or haircut etc, then I would be happy. When we get the desire of our hearts, somehow, happiness still eludes us and we go on to the next “if only”.  Pleasures that give quick highs like alcohol, food or even drugs also do not satisfy.  Sheen concludes that this constant search for external things to satisfy will continually end in disappointment and will either cause us to become cynical or religious.

Joy, on the other hand, is attainable and lasts forever. Joy especially comes and lasts when we are in right relationship with God, enjoying His presence,  and are living the gospel message. When we serve others, joy is immeasurable. Joy comes from God’s gifts to us, like our family and friends, and things which are the result of God’s grace working in our lives such as the joys of accomplishment, discovery or success in overcoming a personal weakness.

I thought about the times in my life when I felt joy and I realized that some of the  most joyful experiences of my life were when I was caring for, holding or just being with my children and grandchildren. I am also drawn to babies no matter where I encounter them.  What is it about infants and small children that melts us all, no matter who we are, into smiles of sheer joy?  It is easy to sit for hours just looking at a sleeping newborn, and not tire of the precious little one.

Maybe that is because an infant is a brand new creation of almighty God, made in his image, as innocent as any human can be, not yet tainted by the pain and ugliness of this world. It is in the infant that Gods’ love is illuminated. We bask in that love as we gaze at the child. It is a tiny baby who can bring out the best in us and make us want to be better than we are. 

This is God’s doing. He sent us his Jesus, His Son, not as a powerful warrior but as a tiny  babe. Perfect, innocent and made in His image. He wanted our hearts to melt, He wanted us to respond by desiring to change our lives, to be worthy to be in the company of purity and innocence. He wanted us to respond to the love the child brings to the world. He wants us to experience real JOY-  The joy that His presence  brings.

You only have to ask; Jesus will come into your life.

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