hildren and adults alike are inundated with the media's perception of joy and, for the most part, it's brutally falsified. TV commercials would like us to believe that joy comes in the form of a perfect body, a fast and shiny new car, or the ultimate cruise vacation. As parents, we can prompt dialogues with our kids that contradict such misconceptions.

For example, our joy is in a healthy body made by the Lord. We are made to perfection in His eyes, and no amount of science, cosmetology, or retail therapy will elevate our joy. The joy of a vacation is in the quality time spent together as a family. Such joy is present without the frills. It is what it is!.

The book of Romans, chapter 15, verse 13 bids us, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

It's clear that real joy comes from one source only - the Lord. In fact, there are 542 references to joy in the Bible - 105 just in the Book of Psalms.

How can we, as parents, convey what real joy is to our children? Is it possible to instill the importance of joy into their young lives, while we, as mothers, fathers, employees, coaches, referees, chauffeurs and the various other roles we play continue our everyday routines?

C.S. Lewis, the Christian scholar and author who wrote "The Chronicles of Narnia," and many other bestsellers, described joy in several of his writings; in fact, it was a dominant theme in his conversion to Christianity. Lewis wrote, "Joy is ... more desirable than any other satisfaction ... and must be sharply distinguished from both Happiness and Pleasure. Joy (in my sense) has indeed one characteristic, and one only, in common with them; the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again. ... I doubt whether anyone who has tasted it would ever, if it were in his power, exchange it for all the pleasures in the world."

As parents, it is imperative that we model joy for our children. In order for them to recognize it as an attainable blessing, we must accept it, appreciate it, and above all else - share it.

Prayer is the perfect way to show your joy as well as your gratitude for it. Praise God openly in your children's presence and thank Him for the joy of family, the joy of worshipping Him, and the joy of the beauty that surrounds us all. Express joy when saying grace.

Ask your children to point out examples of joy in their lives and help them to recognize the difference between joy and happiness or pleasure. Discernment heightens with age, and is a great exercise for people of all ages. Young children can learn to discern the difference between the happiness in receiving a new toy and the joy that comes from being loved unconditionally.

Teens can grapple with discernment in issues of relationship gratification versus the intimacy that comes with deep friendship and real love. The first may seemingly make them happy, but such happiness is a temporary condition. The second - being a gift from God, will ultimately result in joy.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." To appreciate this verse, Nehemiah 8:10, we must understand where the Israelites were when they heard it. The walls of Jerusalem were newly completed, yet something vital was still missing. They were learning that life is made up of much more than just bricks and mortar. The presence of the Lord was a "must" in their lives in order for them to truly be saved from slavery. Only He can bring real joy. Parents can use this lesson from the Bible to illustrate the definition of joy.

The truth is abundantly clear. It was in the days of Nehemiah, and it is in our present-day lives. Joy is a gift from the Lord, manifested through the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. His gift of the Holy Spirit further ensures that as we pray, study the Scriptures and strive to live a godly life, then and only then will we understand the richness of the gift of joy.

Make it a point to discuss joy with your children, but also allow them to mirror the joy they read on your faces and in your hearts. It is highly contagious! Once caught, they'll undoubtedly inherit the need to pass it on.

Simple Steps to Infuse Joy in Your Children

• "In your presence is fullness of joy!" is the resounding exclamation of King David in Psalm 16:11. Read a psalm of joy with your children. There are many!
• Study Nehemiah and share with your children the eye-opening experience the Israelites had pertaining to joy.
• "Joy to the World!" Christmas provides another excellent opportunity for parents to highlight true joy. Visit a nursing home with your children. Help out at a soup kitchen. Teach them to humbly reach out to others with their joy in order to create joy.
• Joy is contagious. When you have it, you certainly want to share it. The gift goes on and on. Spread joy. Speak and sing of joy. Recognize that wonderful joy out loud to the point that your kids will simply have to have some more of it.
• Pray constantly. Let your children hear and see you praying. And pray together as a family. Nothing highlights joy like prayer.
• Share and share alike. Never keep joy to yourself. Pass it on!