Posted on December 19, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King,
let every heart prepare Him room.”
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2 (ESV)
Joy To the World is one of the most famous Christmas songs ever written. It is repeatedly sung throughout churches during Christmas-time. But what is true joy? Having true joy is not dependent on circumstances. Jesus gives us a sense of joy daily by knowing and following Him.
So why would we want joy for the world? Our world is falling apart before our very eyes with crime at an all-time high, mass shootings, Israel, Ukraine, African nations in civil wars, and our own elected officials. Jesus died for all of our sins and wants ALL the world to know Him in an intimate way. Joy doesn’t fade, but our circumstances change. We will all face trials at some point in time in our life, but with the joy of knowing that we have a Savoir, Christ, we can pray and fully take on anything that is thrown our way.
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)
We can seek happiness through many things in our lives, but happiness will leave us faster than the true joy of knowing Christ Jesus. We don’t need to fill our lives with things that give temporary happiness, but fill it God. Have joy in your life with Jesus, not joy in the world.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
So, this year when you sing “Joy To the World”, it really does mean everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!
(Thanks to Ron Burrows for the inspiration!)
Written by Robert Breault: Robert was blessed to work 8 years in the Keswick Raws kitchen and is now retired, well, almost. He’s a loving husband to Shirley, a wicked stepfather to Shirley’s three “Angels”/children, and a doting Pop-Pop to their two grandchildren, Charlotte and Max. But most important, he is a child of the one true King!
Think About This: “Be as willing to die to sin as Christ was to die for sin, and as willing to live to Him as He was to die for you. Be as willing to be His, to serve Him, as that He should be yours to save you. Take Him on His own terms, give up yourself wholly to Him.” ― Ralph Venning
The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2-5. You can download our 2024 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
