The joy of Christmas during the Advent season is an amazing experience that goes beyond festivities and touches the heart of faith and anticipation. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, and I mean always. I have realized it’s not necessarily the day of Christmas that excites me, but the magical days leading up to it. Advent can be a season of waiting and preparation, and this anticipation can bring a special kind of joy. Unlike the immediate excitement of Christmas Day, Advent’s joy comes from the anticipation of what’s to come. It’s a time to reflect on what God has promised us and reflect on the birth of Christ. This anticipation creates a sense of hope, with each day bringing us closer to the significance of why we celebrate.
Joy can often be experienced in the company of others. This can come from group activities like decorating, themed gatherings, indulgent meals, and my favorite, caroling! These moments promote connections with family, friends, and community, spreading the joy through collective participation. Advent can also be deeply spiritual and personal with the renewal it represents. It’s a time to reflect on the amazing impact of Christ’s coming into the world. This spiritual renewal brings a deep, lasting joy that goes beyond surface-level happiness. It’s a joy that warms the soul. The holiday season is notoriously busy for many, but because of the comfort I feel within, I want to consciously make an effort to be used as a vessel to bring the same joy to others.
Something else I love about this season is the beauty that can be found in the small things. The lighting of Advent candles, the warmth of a cozy decorated home, the aroma of baked holiday treats—these small things are infused with a sense of wonder. These moments accumulate towards a larger, more sacred journey towards Christmas. Ultimately, the joy of Advent builds up to the celebration of Christ’s birth. As Christmas approaches, there is beauty in reflecting on the divine gift of Jesus—God coming to earth in human form. A joy both personal and communal because of the impact of God’s love and the power of His presence in the world. The joy of Christmas during the Advent season is a lush and wonderful experience that warrants anticipation, celebration, renewal, simple pleasures, reflection, and more! It’s a season that is a powerful reminder of the amazement of God’s love.
