Joy to the World; the Lord is Come
The words that Isaac Watts wrote in 1719 are heard in stores all around Hong Kong and the world this time of year. Truly the word joy is associated with this season because at the first Christmas the angels used it with the shepherds to announce the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. An angel of the Lord, appeared to them and the glory 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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:9-11
These verses present a couple of points of contrast which can help us today; first, the Lord can move us from terrified which seeing an angel would probably induce to great joy – wow! Second, the Lord not only came into the world but He came into our lives and that is the greatest joy at any and every season.
We, as God’s creations, know when we feel joy. The dictionary defines that sense in words: the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Doesn’t our soul reach out to gain something greater than earth bound pleasures? Can this need only be fulfilled by the Lord? Isn’t accepting the Lord as your personal Saviour the greatest joy of our existence? Hopefully you are saying, Yes, Yes, Yes!
So let Jesus enter your heart like He entered the world, recognising that our worldly fears can be overcome by the joy of knowing and accepting Him. The Christmas season, with the great songs of joy, awakens this truth in our souls.
It reminds us of the wonderful opportunity and even obligation to share this joy with those around us: our spouses, our children, all our families, our care group members, our church family, our work colleagues, and all our neighbours whether they believe or are yet to believe.
Let this season be the most joyous ever in your life by:
- Praising God for His undivided love and intentional works for you to experience and not miss His joy.
- Asking God to help you understand the power and blessing of spreading His joy to everyone around you.