Houses in my neighborhood are decorated with strings of colored lights. Yards along the streets of my town have trees and bushes festooned with lights and dangling decorations.

My interpretation of all this is that people are sharing their joy with the world.

But what is the source of that joy?

For some, the prospect of returning to traditions brings happiness. Decorating trees, listening to carols, memories of happy times and togetherness, giving and receiving gifts, stir up memories of joyful time past. Families and friends come together, overcoming isolation.

My wife and I have a joyful tradition of spending evenings together watching schmaltzy Christmas movies. We might even slip in a Christmas classic, like Miracle on 34^th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life.

But for me, Christmas joy is enhanced by deepening my relationship with God. Advent midweek services and gatherings, and the anticipation of the beauty of Christmas Eve candle light service create in me a deeper awareness of God’s presence in my life. I rejoice in gratitude for my widening church family and the promise of acceptance and shared experience it holds, living ever more fully in the love of God. I also take joy in the fact that my church, and so many others, stands firm in opposition to the exclusion and judgementalism so prevalent in society today. All are welcome.

I think these things figure in the kindling of joy in the hearts of most folks, whether they acknowledge God as the source or not.  It’s a season of hope for us all.