Joy: Illuminating the Darkness

The Psychology of Joy

Behavioral activation (BA) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals re-engage with meaningful

activities to overcome emotional inertia and lift their spirits. It emphasizes small, intentional steps

toward connection, creativity, and purpose. For example, a walk in the fresh air, reconnecting with a

loved one, or simply savoring a cup of coffee can become moments of joy when approached with

intentionality.

Similarly, the practice of joy in faith traditions calls us to notice the beauty in the ordinary and the

extraordinary. Joy isn’t something we passively wait to feel; it’s something we nurture by stepping into

moments of connection, gratitude, and hope. As Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “You make known to me the

path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Advent invites us to walk this path with intention.

Practices for Cultivating Joy

Joy is both a spiritual and emotional discipline, requiring intentional effort to grow. Here are four

practices to help you cultivate joy this week:

1. Gratitude Journaling

   Gratitude is a powerful way to shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. It reorients our hearts and minds to the gifts already present in our lives.

   • Practice:

     • At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. These can be big or small—a meaningful conversation, a moment of beauty, or even a challenge that helped you grow.

     • Reflect on how these blessings reveal goodness in your life, and offer a prayer of thanks, acknowledging their source.

2. Sabbath Rest and Delight

   Rest allows us to step away from the busyness of life and make space for renewal. The practice of Sabbath invites us to intentionally pause and delight in the good things of life.

   • Practice:

     • Set aside a portion of your week for rest—whether it’s a full day or just a couple of hours.

     • Engage in activities that refresh and uplift you, such as walking outdoors, enjoying a meal with loved ones, or reading something inspiring.

     • Begin this time with a quiet moment to center yourself, asking for renewal and clarity.

3. Acts of Delight

   Joy often comes in small, unexpected moments of delight. By intentionally seeking out activities that bring joy, we can spark moments of lightness and connection.

   • Practice:

     • Choose one activity this week that brings you joy. This could be baking, listening to your favorite music, creating something with your hands, or spending time with a friend.

     • Approach it with intention, being fully present to the experience and savoring it as a gift.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

   Recognizing progress, no matter how small, is an act of honoring growth and celebrating life’s forward movement.

   • Practice:

     • At the end of the week, reflect on one thing you’ve accomplished or experienced that brought you joy or fulfillment.

     • Consider how this step forward reflects care, effort, or growth in your life.

     • Take a moment to celebrate it, either by sharing it with someone you trust or simply pausing to acknowledge it for yourself.

Joy in the Advent Story

The Advent story is filled with moments of joy that emerge in surprising ways. Mary’s song of praise, the

shepherds’ wonder at the angelic announcement, and the wise men’s journey to honor the Christ child

all reflect joy that transcends the circumstances of their lives.

Mary’s Magnificat, for example, is a beautiful expression of joy rooted in trust and hope: “My soul

magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47). Despite the uncertainty of

her situation, Mary chooses to celebrate God’s faithfulness and goodness.

Similarly, the shepherds experience joy not because their lives have suddenly changed but because they

have encountered a promise of hope and renewal. Their joy is an invitation to all of us to find gladness

not in the absence of difficulty but in the presence of meaning and connection.

A Reflection on Joy

Advent reminds us that joy is both a discipline and a gift. It requires us to pause, to notice, and to

engage with the good things already present in our lives. While life’s demands and challenges can make

joy feel elusive, small, intentional practices—like gratitude, rest, and celebration—can help us re-center

and reconnect with a sense of gladness and hope.

As you reflect on this week’s theme of joy, consider these questions:

• What are the moments or activities in your life that bring you joy?

• How can you make space for gratitude, rest, and connection this week?

• In what ways might you notice joy breaking into your life, even in small or unexpected moments?

This Advent, may you find joy not only in extraordinary moments but also in the quiet, ordinary spaces

of daily life. Through simple practices and a heart open to wonder, may you experience the fullness of

joy and hope that this season brings.

Moving Forward

Take time this week to engage in practices that nurture joy. Whether it’s writing down moments of

gratitude, stepping back for rest, or intentionally seeking out activities that bring delight, remember that

joy is both a choice and a gift. It is cultivated through small acts of attention and care.

May your Advent journey this week be filled with light, meaning, and the deep joy that refreshes and

sustains.