Joy to the World

Joy. I think we’ve forgotten what that world means. Webster remind us:

1: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2 : a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3 : a source or cause of delight

Why is there so little joy in the world, even among Christians? This time of year, we often sing or hear “Joy to the World, the Lord has come.” Where is our joy?

Has our joy been consumed by everyday concerns and keeping our schedules? Has the Christmas story become so familiar to us that we forget the magnitude of Jesus’ birth and death? Are we taking God’s forgiveness and grace for granted?

James 1:2 (NIV) tells us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” Wow, we seldom feel joy in our good days, can you imagine being joyous in our trials?

Job 5:17 (NLT) says, “But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.” Again, I don’t ever remember feeling joyous when I was being disciplined.

This Christmas season I pray we’ll allow the Christmas story to bring us renewed joy and hope for every day. Open your mind and heart to the possibility.

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 nature sing.

Enjoy this video.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:10 (NLT): but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people…”