It’s easy to recognize joy in the good moments. But joy can seem harder to find when life doesn’t unfold the way we hoped—when prayers seem unanswered, plans fall apart, suffering comes, or God simply feels distant.
This Advent, Joy to the World is an invitation to discover a joy that reaches beyond our circumstances. Through reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the blessings and crosses of ordinary life, we’ll explore Christian joy as the settled conviction that God is faithful.
Day by day, Joy to the World will help us notice how God is present and at work—even in the parts of our lives we wish were different. Christian joy doesn’t depend on everything going according to plan. It comes from knowing that whatever we face, God remains faithful, and he is with us through it all.
Download the free Advent reading plan to follow along with the daily readings Fr. Mike reflects on in the daily video series.
Experience Advent with Fr. Mike in the Ascension App
For the third Advent in a row, Fr. Mike Schmitz is returning to the Ascension App with a brand-new daily video series. After Face to Face and Waiting Well helped hundreds of thousands of Catholics pray, reflect, and grow throughout Advent, Joy to the World continues the journey with daily reflections on finding lasting Christian joy in every circumstance.
Watch each day in the Ascension App and make Fr. Mike’s reflections part of your Advent routine. Start with a 7-day free trial, then subscribe for $8.99/month or $59.99/year for full access to Joy to the World and everything else the App has to offer.
Want to spend less time looking at a screen this Advent? The December edition of Alto brings adaptations of Fr. Mike’s Joy to the World reflections into a beautiful monthly prayer companion you can hold in your hands—making it easy to follow along with the same Advent journey away from your phone.
And Alto goes beyond Advent. Each edition brings together Morning and Night Prayer, Daily Mass readings, Scripture and saint reflections, novenas, Bible studies, and liturgical living articles in one place. Everything is laid out for you: just open Alto, begin praying, and let a simple daily rhythm carry you through Advent.
Joy to the World is Fr. Mike Schmitz’s new Advent series exploring what it means to live with true Christian joy—the settled conviction that God is faithful, even when our circumstances are difficult. New reflections will guide you throughout Advent beginning November 29.
How can I participate in Joy to the World?
Individuals can experience Joy to the World in two ways: watch Fr. Mike’s daily video reflections in the Ascension app, or follow along screen-free with adaptations of his reflections in the December edition of Alto. You can also use both together.
What do I get with the Ascension app?
An Ascension app subscription gives you full access to Fr. Mike’s Joy to the World video series, along with the app’s premium Bible, Catechism, reading plans, audio content, and other resources designed to help you grow in your faith throughout the year.
How much does the Ascension app cost?
You can start with a 7-day free trial. After your trial, an Ascension app subscription is $8.99/month or $59.99/year.
Do I need an Ascension app subscription to use Alto?
No. Alto is a standalone printed monthly prayer periodical, so you can participate in the Advent journey with the December edition without subscribing to the Ascension app.
How does Alto connect to Fr. Mike’s Joy to the World series?
The December edition of Alto includes written adaptations of Fr. Mike’s Advent reflections from the Ascension app. It’s a great option if you want to participate in Joy to the World while spending less time on your phone or other screens.
What else is included in the December edition of Alto?
In addition to the Joy to the World reflections, Alto brings together Morning and Night Prayer, Daily Mass readings, Scripture and saint reflections, novenas, Bible studies, and liturgical living content—all arranged in one easy-to-use monthly prayer companion.
Should I choose the Ascension app or Alto for Advent?
Choose the app if you want to hear directly from Fr. Mike and make his daily videos part of your Advent routine. Choose Alto if you prefer a physical, screen-free way to pray and reflect. Or use both—the app for Fr. Mike’s videos and Alto for prayer and reflection throughout your day.
I participated in Face to Face or Waiting Well. Is Joy to the World a new program?
Yes! Joy to the World is Fr. Mike’s third Advent series in the Ascension app, following Face to Face and Waiting Well. This year’s journey is entirely new, so returning participants and those joining for the first time can experience it together.
When does Joy to the World begin?
Joy to the World begins on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, 2026. If you’re participating with Alto, you’ll want the December edition so you can follow the Advent reflections in print.
What’s the difference between the individual and parish Joy to the World pathways?
The individual pathway is designed for anyone who wants to experience Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz through his daily Joy to the World video series in the Ascension app or the adapted reflections in Alto. The parish pathway offers separate resources designed to help entire parish communities journey through Advent together, including the Joy to the World Advent devotional and discounted Ascension app access for parishioners.
Is the parish Joy to the World program the same as Fr. Mike’s Joy to the World series?
No. Both share the theme of Christian joy, but they are distinct Advent experiences. Fr. Mike’s Joy to the World series is available in the Ascension app, with adapted reflections in the December edition of Alto. The parish Joy to the World program follows the Angelus and is designed specifically for parishes and groups to pray and reflect together.
