Be joyful and happy;
for this is the true mark of the Spirit of God
who wishes that we should serve him
in peace and contentment.

 
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, 17th century

In heaven, the joy and gladness of one
will be as great as the joy of all.

 
St. Thomas Aquinas, 13th century

God has created everything in the world for our service:
sea and land, birds and fishes and animals, the plants,
and even the angels in heaven.

 
St. Peter of Alcantra, 16th century

Be merry.
The life of a true Christian should be a perpetual jubilee,
a prelude to the festivals of eternity.

 
St. Theophane Venard, 19th century

The spirit of Advent is one of holy enthusiasm, tender gratitude,
and an intense longing for the coming of the Word of God
in the hearts of the children of Adam,

 
Bl. Idelphonso Schuster, 20th century

You, Lord, have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.

 
St. Augustine, 5th century

Rejoice in the Lord.
He is our good, the good that makes us glad.

 
St. Augustine, 5th century

This life is a prison, this life is a penance,
and God wants us to rejoice in the remedy.
The remedy is that the Lord is with us, protecting us,
and leading us into the fullness of joy, endless joy,

 
Bl. Julian of Norwich, 14th century