Sacred Scripture invites us every year at this time to rejoice always! But even during the Advent season filled with many blessings we may ask: "how is it possible to rejoice always?" We are aware of war and violence throughout our world. We see division and unrest in our nation. Many people are dealing with emotional and mental health issues, including distress and anxiety. All of us carry some type of burden and cross. So how is it possible to rejoice always? We can rejoice because we know the Lord is in our midst. He is always there to provide us comfort and consolation, and to love, heal, and forgive us, for the One whose birth we celebrate anew is the One alone who can give us the peace for which we long. In him, we have every reason to rejoice!