Before you pray, think of the happiest, most wonderful, wholesome moment you've ever experienced.

Where were you?

What happened?

Who else was there?

Reflect on that moment, and when you're ready, tell God all about it;

thanking Him for that experience of joy!

Lord,

Thank you for the momentary glimpses of joy that you give us.

We know that all good gifts come from you, our heavenly Father, and that you promise to make our joy complete one day when you return. Help us to live each day in that hope and forgive us for the times when we look to sources other than you for joy. The Bible calls those other sources "broken wells," because they can't offer us true joy. Only you do that, Jesus. And that's why we can have joy this Advent season. Because you came to bring good news to the poor and brokenhearted. And you promise to come again and finish what you started. Thank you, Jesus, for being our true joy! Help us bring this good news of joy to our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family!

Amen.