Today, we celebrate our joy in Jesus the Saviour. It's a special Sunday within Advent season, when we are called to express the joy which no force on earth can take away. Note: We may not have all we want, but as friends of Christ, we will never lack all we need to gain joy! Never ever give room for doubt, just trust God, have faith, and be happy. Sing: "Joy like a river (2x) joy like a river in my soul... when the whole world forsake you, be not dismayed stay in Christ. Temptations have an end...

Problems have an end, Crises have an end, failures have an end...". Hence, we are called to rejoice always. "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice". Do not worry about anything...worry will only double your trouble. Prophet Zephaniah said, "Shout for joy, daughter of Zion, Israel shout for joy aloud" (Zeph.3:14-18). Sing: "In the presence of God, Alleluia Joy!"

When you have the joy of Christ's presence, suffering, sadness, sorrow, bitterness, and self regret will disappear. We need grace. Do you see grace? I see grace. Friedrich Nietzsche, known for his denial of God's existence "God is dead", once said, "If you Christians would only come out of the church smiling I just might become a Christian myself". Hence, the challenge before us is to be happy people, joyful people, alleluia people, rejoicing people despite all odds and trials. As Christians we should share Christ's joy to the world. "joy shared doubles it". Sing: "I will sing unto the Lord a joyful song, I will praise his name for the Lord is good".

No wonder, Is.35 says, "They will come to Zion shouting for joy, everlasting joy on their faces; joy and gladness will go with them and sorrow and lament be ended". Let us do the best we can to be joyful and be welcoming too!!!

Men and women of the world may let us down, but Jesus will never fail us. Let us imitate Christ in showing love and sharing the little joy left in us. God is life, love and light. Let us light up the world with the joy of Christ flowing like running stream. Bob Marley sang, "One love, one heart...

Let's get together and feel all right". In the Gospel, let us follow the example/humility of John the Baptist, "I am not the Christ", but I have come to speak for the light. Therefore, don't be wicked; make somebody happy today, this season of Joy, this Christmas and always.

Finally, the more our proclamation of the Good news finds practical expression of love daily, the more effective and attractive our Christian faith becomes. Be a carrier of the good news of joy in our world today.

Tell the faithless that lepers now have beautiful skins, those once deaf now listen to Shakiti bobo, those formerly blind now watch Chelsea football club play and win, and in fact, the once paralysed now play lawn tennis. Sing: "Today, today, there is a melody in my heart today".

Happy New Week.

 Fr. Balogun Stephen