Ken Dodd, some years ago released a song called ‘ Happiness’. One of the key lines was “ happiness, happiness, the greatest gift that I possess”. Happiness is what everyone wants.  In Anthony Trolope’s “ Barchester Towers”, Obadiah Slope is the Bishop’s sly and scheming chaplain. He is infatuated with the beautiful and acutely observant Madeline Neroni. The two are conversing  one day and Madeline says “ there is no happiness in love, except at the end of a English novel. But in wealth, houses, land, goods- yes in them there is something tangible to be enjoyed”. Mr Slope disagrees- This world’s wealth will make no-one happy. Madeline replies with energy-“ And what will make you happy?” From what source will you look for happiness? Do not say you look for none. I shall not believe you. It is a search in which every human being spends an existence.”

Happiness is what everyone wants. It’s the basic assumption of the advertisers,  especially nearing Christmas. Our desire for happiness sells, computer games, cars, clothes, perfume, holidays. Do you remember the advert “ Happiness is a cigar called Hamlet”!

But what is happiness? The dictionary defines it as a feeling of pleasure, contentment , well being. It’s the feel good factor. The source of a Christian’s happiness is a by-product of three things. One – a life lived for others. Which is often contrary to the world’s idea of where happiness comes from. Jesus challenged us to give ourselves away in service to others.  Secondly, another source of happiness is the presence of God. ‘ Jesus promises “ I am with you always”. Whatever our daily circumstances, we are never alone. One other source- the best of them all-is the love of God. And it’s a source of great happiness. Once Cardinal Basil Hume was preaching on God’s love. He suddenly caught sight of a young mother with her child and he could see how much she loved him. He said he was tempted  to say to the congregation-“ forget what I’m saying and look there and you’ll see what we mean to God” Just as a child laughs and chuckles in the security of a parents love, so happiness and joy bubble up within us once we know that God loves  us-each one.