Joy To The World

-December 19, 2021-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people.’”

(Luke 2:10).

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there was not only joy, but great joy. He came to die for us and to pay the penalty of our sins. Because of that, we who are saved are filled with great joy all through our lives. Jesus came for all people, not just for the Jews. He came for me and for you. That is why He is our personal Lord and Savior.

Joy differs from happiness. Happiness is based on happenings, our circumstances, and our feelings, which all fluctuate. Joy, on the other hand, is based on our relationship with Jesus, which never changes. We have Jesus now and for all eternity. That is why no matter what we go through in terms of hardship, stress, pain, or sorrow, we can rejoice in the Lord. We know that He is in control, He is leading us, and our home in heaven awaits us at the end of life’s journey. The acronym for J-O-Y is Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. True joy comes from serving the Lord and helping and sharing with others.

This wonderful hymn was written by Isaac Watts, one of the greatest hymn writers, and the music was written by George Friedrich Handel, one of the greatest composers. The first two lines say, “Joy to the world! the Lord has come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let men their songs employ; While fields and flocks, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”

You hear and feel the joy through the pages of this glorious Christmas hymn. It never grows old, it is fresh and flourishing like the perfect fresh cut Christmas tree. Whatever circumstances you had this challenging year, they melt away in the joy of the Lord. It says In Nehemiah 8:10,”The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah and those who returned from the Babylonian captivity rejoiced with great joy at completion of the walls around Jerusalem in but 52 days! They faced great persecution, interruption, and opposition, but God gave them the victory.

Let us thank God for the joy He gives us through the Holy Spirit. Whatever we face, what lies ahead, cannot change the joy in Christ our Head. Let His joy bring you great wonder this Christ. The shepherds rejoiced, the wisemen rejoiced, Simeon and Anna rejoiced in seeing Jesus! We see Him by the eyes of faith, but one day we will see Him face to face!

Have a blessed Lord’s Day rejoicing in the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean