2016 has been quite a year. Many celebrities have died, wars have continued, terror attacks have left scars, and for some of us even being with our family has been a storm. However, there has been some good this year. Let’s reflect on some things that can fill us with joy this week, no matter what our home looks like.

1. The Cubs won the World Series.

And their title was voted the top AP sports story of the year. After a 108 year drought, I think they deserve it, and if they can do that, you can find some joy in looking back at 2016. Source: http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/cubs-world-series-title-voted-top-ap-sports-story-of-2016/ar-BBxyPJl?OCID=ansmsnnews11

2. Hamilton happened.

The Broadway musical about one of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda helped us re-imagine the Revolutionary War and look at history with new eyes. If Lin can rap about American history, then you can find joy this week. Source: http://www.hamiltonbroadway.com

3. Amazon is partnering with Goodwill to give back to local communities.

All you have to do is put the stuff you don’t want that someone else might want in a box, print a label from GiveBackBox.com and Amazon will ship your package to the nearest Goodwill for free. Surely giving back will help you find some joy! Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2016/12/25/amazon-goodwill-charity-donations/95814428/

4. Christians in Aleppo got to celebrate Christmas!

It’s the first time in five years Christians in the war-torn city were able to celebrate one of their main holidays. Catholics in the area were even able to attend a Christmas Eve Mass, where priests prayed for peace. If those people, who were so tormented by the rivalry between rebel and government, can find joy this week, then I believe you can too. Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-christmas-idINKBN14F03L

5. Film has begun celebrating minorities.

Rogue One, Fences, and Moana were all box office smashes that had women and people of color playing new, exciting roles that showed us that we can be anything if we put our minds to it. Hidden Figures, which will be helping us find joy in women of color being awesome in 2017, will soon be upon us as well. Source: http://variety.com/2016/film/box-office/box-office-rogue-one-sing-new-years-movies-1201950695/

6. There's a new Doctor Who trailer.

A new Doctor Who trailer with a new companion! The magic and wacky science of the beloved BBC show are only going to grow. You’ve got to be feeling a bit joyful now that you know such happy things are continuing. Source: http://www.bing.com/search?q=doctor+who+new+season+trailer&qs=PN&sk=HS6PN1≻=8-0&cvid=FD5A2BDD4DB84BB6AA7DE7C2DC6F9C4C&FORM=QBRE&sp=8

7. Over 100,000 children were adopted this year.

http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/The_Adopted_Child_15.aspx

8. Emma Watson is playing Belle.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/26/entertainment/feat-emma-watson-belle-beauty-beast/index.html

9. A young man saved his money all year to help families in the hospital.

Jerry Hatcher Jr. practically lived in the hospital when his younger brother was ill and this year he saved money to buy families their Christmas meal when they tried to buy it in the hospital cafeteria. He was also quick to give hugs and wish them a Merry Christmas. Are you full of joy yet? Source: http://www.insideedition.com/headlines/20683-boy-spends-4th-christmas-eve-in-a-row-at-hospital-buying-meals-for-patients-families

10. Tigers are increasing for the first time in 100 years.

The population of wild tigers has increased by roughly 600 in the past six years, which is largely due to conservation efforts by Asian governments, law enforcement, and locals. More beautiful animals in the world is definitely worthy of some joy this week. Source: http://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/celebrating-the-biggest-conservation-wins-of-2016#

11. 2,016 years ago Jesus was born for YOU!

I am a Christian and I have been blessed to live in a country where I have free speech and free press, so I’m going to tell you that Jesus being born of a virgin, living a perfect life, and dying and rising again for you is the best reason for you to have joy in this post-Christmas week and every week of your life. If you believe in Him, you can have everlasting life after you die and will be filled with purpose every day of your life before you go. Now be filled with joy- you have been given a great gift. Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2%3A11&version=NIV

I hope all of you had a beautiful Christmas holiday and will continue to have a blessed New Year. If you find yourself lacking in joy this week, please consult this list. Remember, there are many reasons to find joy this holiday season. These are only eleven of them.