“I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” — John 15:11 (BSB)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” — Romans 15:13 (BSB)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” — Galatians 5:22 (BSB)
True joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit—it cannot be manufactured but is produced in me as I walk with Christ. It often deepens through trials, when I trust God’s promises more fully and see His hand more clearly. Joy gives me strength, renews my spirit, and keeps my eyes fixed on what is eternal.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Joy is not escapism—it is engagement. It comes not from avoiding pain, but from knowing Christ in the midst of it. Joy is resurrection life breaking into a fallen world.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Joy is the radiant fruit of a soul that abides in Christ. It is forged in worship, strengthened in sorrow, and made complete in surrender.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer reflects the joy of the Christian life in its hymns, collects, and liturgies, especially in Eastertide, where the Church proclaims, “Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.” The daily offices repeatedly give thanks and call the faithful to rejoice in the Lord.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “Joy is the sunshine of the soul. It is the inward gladness which nothing can take away. The world did not give it, and the world cannot destroy it.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Joy is the result of walking closely with Jesus. It is our strength, our song, and our testimony to a watching world that Christ is alive.”
Joy glorifies Christ because it flows from Him, reflects His victory, and reveals the deep peace of the redeemed heart.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Joy is born of grace and nourished by gratitude. The Christian who rejoices in the Lord shows the world that Christ reigns.” — Homily on Philippians, 3
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “Even in prison, even in death, we rejoice—because we belong to Christ. His joy is our inheritance.” — Letters, 80
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “The soul that rejoices in the Lord forgets its suffering, for it sees beyond the present into the glory that is to come.” — Homily on Thanksgiving
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
