Joy. This word gets tossed around a lot. I myself say that my family brings me joy. I find joy in being with family and friends. I find joy in the simple things. I use the word so much, I think that the word "joy" is used rather flippantly.

In the midst of our brokenness, we all seek peace and joy. Isaiah 12:1-6 speaks of the peace and joy that will be found when we seek and trust God. I remember the overwhelming joy and peace that I felt when I finally asked Jesus to enter into my life. I remember being so happy that I don't think that anyone could have slapped the grin off my face. My heart was so full of joy, I could hardly contain it.

I felt like I had to share this newfound joy. People constantly told me that I "was different." I was unashamed to tell them why. For the first time in my life, I wasn't scared or ashamed to talk about God and what he did in my life. I did not want to keep this source of joy and peace to myself; it was as if I HAD to tell someone!

Joy is contagious. It is hard, for me at least, not to be in a joyful mood if I am around others who are joyful. I find this quite true at work because I seek out a co-worker who is always smiling and always full of joy. I cannot help but be happy when this co-worker is around. I know that his source of joy and happiness is because of his relationship with the Lord. There are several people that I have made friends with at church that are the same way. I always seek out their smiles on Sunday. If we are joyful, others will notice.

Thousands of years ago, people were waiting to experience that joy. That joy came on the first Christmas Day in the form of Jesus. If we will open our hearts, we can experience his joy today, regardless of life's circumstances. We should continue to be full of joy and praise God in the good times and the bad. When I'm having a "moment', I like to recall the lyrics from a MercyMe song: "Count it pure joy when the world come crashin,' hold your head up and keep on dancin'!"

If I can do that, I know that am truly joyful and that I will be able to show others the joy that Jesus brings me, and can bring to them, too.