It s amazing to think that the first smile Jesus ever gave was in response to Mary s smile. It must have been an extraordinary moment: her son was smiling at her, and it was God smiling at her too.

This book looks at Mary, this extraordinary woman who is “the cause of our joy” because she brought us the greatest joy of all: Jesus.

She was full of joy because she was full of gratitude, gladly acknowledging the fullness of grace that God had given her. Many of us seek joy outside of ourselves, in food and drink, or in riches and reputations.

But Mary found an inner joy that came from encountering God, a joy that was immeasurably greater than any material joy. And by giving Mary a place in our hearts, we can find true joy in God as well.