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Joy to the World: 24 meditations on the best news ever and how to live it every day
If you want an amazing life, you have to see life as something amazing. And there’s simply no better “big picture” for life than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s the best news ever! But in order for that big picture to impact your daily life, giving you the right attitude to face every joy and trial, you need to set aside a little time each day to remember it, or, as St. Paul wrote, to “set your mind on things above” (Col 3:2). The 25 meditations in this book are designed to help you do just that. These meditations are themed around Christmas, but are written for every time and season of your life. After all, Jesus is supposed to be born anew in us every day!
- GenresFaith
76 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Chris Stefanick
19 books48 followersArchbishop Charles J. Chaput has called Chris Stefanick “one of the most engaging young defenders of the Christian faith on the scene today.” Chris speaks to over 50,000 teens, young adults, and parents every year.
Venues he has spoken at include hundreds of high school chastity assemblies and parish events, colleges (including Annapolis, Penn State and the US Air Force Academy) and both national and international events including the Steubenville Youth Conferences, National Catholic Youth Convention, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) National Conference, the Knock, Ireland Youth Festival, and to 15,000 people at Manila’s Real Love Revolution. Chris was also invited to keynote at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.
Chris has become a regular in Catholic media, appearing frequently on Relevant Radio, and with videos featured on EWTN and Salt & Light (Catholic TV). His written word also reaches tens of thousands monthly through his popular, nationally syndicated column.
This 14-year Youth Ministry veteran served at a parish in the East LA area, as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lacrosse, and as Director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. He is currently founder and President of Real Life Catholic—a nonprofit organization dedicated to reengaging a generation.
Above all, Chris is proud to be a husband and father to six beautiful children.
Venues he has spoken at include hundreds of high school chastity assemblies and parish events, colleges (including Annapolis, Penn State and the US Air Force Academy) and both national and international events including the Steubenville Youth Conferences, National Catholic Youth Convention, FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) National Conference, the Knock, Ireland Youth Festival, and to 15,000 people at Manila’s Real Love Revolution. Chris was also invited to keynote at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain.
Chris has become a regular in Catholic media, appearing frequently on Relevant Radio, and with videos featured on EWTN and Salt & Light (Catholic TV). His written word also reaches tens of thousands monthly through his popular, nationally syndicated column.
This 14-year Youth Ministry veteran served at a parish in the East LA area, as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Lacrosse, and as Director of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver. He is currently founder and President of Real Life Catholic—a nonprofit organization dedicated to reengaging a generation.
Above all, Chris is proud to be a husband and father to six beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 27, 2022
Rejoicing in the wonder of being loved by an eternally awesome God, Chris Stefanick shares 25 Christmas meditations that are bound to raise up your spirit no matter what season of the year you find yourself in. Simple, thoughtful, profound, and inspiring, the reflections waiting to be uncovered in this short, easily accessible book will lead you to be a better, happier version of the person you were meant to be. Even though I just finished reading this little publication for the first time, I have little doubt that I will return to it often in moments when I need to hear God’s voice and feel his presence. Definitely, a worthwhile and encouraging read!
July 23, 2019
NOTES:
We tend to get bored by the most amazing things. We have lost our sense of wonder.
The people closest to us are usually the first we take for granted. We do this all the time with Jesus too. He saw it coming. “No prophet is honored in his hometown.” (Mark 6:4)
The web of pain we all weave through our self-centeredness is staggering. No sin is committed in isolation. And anyone who flaunts the fact that they have “no regrets” is either ignorant of their connectedness with humanity or doesn’t care if they hurt others.
Hawaiian islanders have a unique way of greeting one another. They touch foreheads and breathe in deep through their noses. They share breath, a symbol of life itself. The word aloha means “with breath.”
Sometimes white people are referred to as “haole” in Hawaii. Haole means “without breath.” When Hawaiians met the first Europeans, instead of being greeted with a shared breath, the Europeans extended a hand and shook, thus earning the name.
The intimate greeting of the Hawaiians lends insight into what communion between people is all about. And that what we are so often lacking.
We tend to let our acquaintances remain shallow, our work or even church relationships remain corporate, our family lives centered around a million activities. But do we stop to share a breath? Share life? Do we become friends?
It doesn’t take much time to forge deeper connections. We just have to be intentional about it.
The days I wake up and ask myself how I can make her the happiest wife on earth, I end up being the happiest husband on earth!
Think small. We often undervalue small acts of service, but really, life consists of small things. If we accomplish anything great by the world’s standards, it is usually the result of a million small things. If there is a cathedral, then it is because a million bricks were laid, one at a time.
In the eyes of God, even small acts of kindness, like opening a door for a person at work who bothers you, are important.
Jesus spent the vast majority of his life working, loving, and serving in ways no one noticed. He was giving us an example.
Serve the poor. Jesus made it pretty clear that if we don’t do something to care for the poor we can’t enter the kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46). You don’t have to do everything. But everyone can do something.
We tend to get bored by the most amazing things. We have lost our sense of wonder.
The people closest to us are usually the first we take for granted. We do this all the time with Jesus too. He saw it coming. “No prophet is honored in his hometown.” (Mark 6:4)
The web of pain we all weave through our self-centeredness is staggering. No sin is committed in isolation. And anyone who flaunts the fact that they have “no regrets” is either ignorant of their connectedness with humanity or doesn’t care if they hurt others.
Hawaiian islanders have a unique way of greeting one another. They touch foreheads and breathe in deep through their noses. They share breath, a symbol of life itself. The word aloha means “with breath.”
Sometimes white people are referred to as “haole” in Hawaii. Haole means “without breath.” When Hawaiians met the first Europeans, instead of being greeted with a shared breath, the Europeans extended a hand and shook, thus earning the name.
The intimate greeting of the Hawaiians lends insight into what communion between people is all about. And that what we are so often lacking.
We tend to let our acquaintances remain shallow, our work or even church relationships remain corporate, our family lives centered around a million activities. But do we stop to share a breath? Share life? Do we become friends?
It doesn’t take much time to forge deeper connections. We just have to be intentional about it.
The days I wake up and ask myself how I can make her the happiest wife on earth, I end up being the happiest husband on earth!
Think small. We often undervalue small acts of service, but really, life consists of small things. If we accomplish anything great by the world’s standards, it is usually the result of a million small things. If there is a cathedral, then it is because a million bricks were laid, one at a time.
In the eyes of God, even small acts of kindness, like opening a door for a person at work who bothers you, are important.
Jesus spent the vast majority of his life working, loving, and serving in ways no one noticed. He was giving us an example.
Serve the poor. Jesus made it pretty clear that if we don’t do something to care for the poor we can’t enter the kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46). You don’t have to do everything. But everyone can do something.
December 28, 2017
Chris breaks down each motivation into simple ways for you to be a better Catholic. Many of his topics go hand in hand with Advent, so it is a great idea to read this in December. Because it is short, you can revisit the topics anytime. A great way to stay inspired, and inspirational throughout the Christmas season.
January 9, 2018
I got this book as a gift. A friend and I read the book together during December. We each had a copy of the book, and would independently read the same section each day. Then, we shared what aspect stood out for us with each section.
The common themes of the book are positive and explored in different scenarios so that it can be applied to different areas of life.
The common themes of the book are positive and explored in different scenarios so that it can be applied to different areas of life.
December 3, 2020
A great book! Quick read, too. I know it was meant to be read as a daily reflection, not read straight through, but, that's exactly how I read it, and I enjoyed it so much I'll probably go back and read it again before Christmas. It's a quick read, very insightful, and very well-written. Would highly recommend.
January 16, 2018
I most liked that it was a daily quick read. I did like most of the repeating themes. It was down to earth examples which made it eaiser to remember throughout the day. I did not like the last meditation and it left just a "liked it" rating in my head then.
April 2, 2022
I went to a talk given by the author of this book. He signed my copy, which has 25 meditations instead of 24. I guess he added one more for Christmas Day. I know it's Lent, but both Lent and Advent are very holy seasons in the Catholic calendar.
April 2, 2018
Very fast read and very inspirational. Chris gives real-life examples of God at work in our life every day.
March 29, 2020
Short daily reflections that I really enjoyed especially at this time
December 23, 2021
Daily short reflections in preparation for Advent. It’s a great read for anyone. Hits home in a lot of ways with some powerful, strong messages. Definitely recommend.
December 21, 2025
great meditation book for the Christmas season or ANY TIME.
December 27, 2025
This little booklet is filled with thought-provoking wisdom and practical advice. A perfect read for Christmas or anytime of year.
January 22, 2021
It's a page a day Christmas devotional. Some were worth the reflection/meditation time.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews