Thursday December 16, 2021
JOY TO THE WORLD
SCRIPTURE: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”. Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
KEY VERSE: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. Luke 2:10 (NIV).
I have been thinking about the hymn titled, “Joy to the World”, specifically because of the trying times, that we are living in. As we face the prices of material things and basic needs going up, the shortages of supplies, illnesses of all kinds, and the dangerous times that children in school are facing with their parents, it can be just down-right hard to be joyful sometimes! That is when I turn to music, especially hymns; it is like a two for one special, for the mind and soul. There is a lot going on, that seems to be coming against us. But, when we change our focus from ourselves, and place our focus back on God, especially in this Advent season; something of great spiritual significance is going to happen. Let’s look at Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. (NIV). We do not need to fear, or be afraid; cautious yes, God did give us a brain, and guidance from the Holy Spirit for discernment.
As we prepare our hearts for this Christmas season, the of birth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel (God with us), we are not alone, in the problems of this world. There is a God who is with us and loves us more than we can possibly fathom. If we look at the last four words of the key verse, “for all the people”; no one is left behind. God will not leave us behind. You can have great joy!
As we remember the lyrics to the Christmas Hymn, “Joy to the world; the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.”. Let us take time today to prepare room for our King in our hearts today through prayer and perhaps make a little more room for our King, as we grow in Christ. May we prepare to receive the joy that He has for us this season, not in part, but in whole. Perhaps then our hearts will also sing with joy! Joy to the world! If there was something that our world, and our lives, can always use more of; it is more joy!
Just pure, God given joy! A joy, filled with the Holy Spirit, that penetrates the deepest parts of our souls. Like the star in the sky, that announced the birth of Christ, that shone brightly far and wide; may the joy of Christ fill our hearts, so that we too may shine with the joy of Christ, into the lives of others. May we be a beacon of God’s joy, through this Advent season.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I just want to thank you for the gifts of advent, especially the gift of joy. Help me to be open to the Holy Spirit and receiving the joy, that God has for me; no matter what I am facing or how the problems of this world may impact my earthly life. Help me to think of others first, and to treat them with love, compassion, and kindness. Help me to shine, with Christ’s love and joy, and to be prepared to proclaim that Jesus Christ was born, died for our sins, conquered the grave, rose, and will come again. I praise you O God, for your gift of love and joy. Amen (So be it).
Rev. G.R. Washburn
