Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room; And heaven and nature sing.
Pastor Herk continues that Christians remember the Savior in the manger, but do you remember your Savior in your heart? That baby (the promised Messiah, born of a virgin by the power of the Most High) grew up and went to the Cross to pay for our sins and save the world from our deserved eternal punishment in Hell. Jesus gave you forgiveness and new life; living in the Believer’s heart today, to give us unspeakable joy. Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
The God-rejecting world is creeping its sin and darkness into every aspect and institution of society where the true light of God’s Word and Gospel truth do not shine and stand firm against. If that which is sin in the eyes of our Sovereign Lord and unholy is accepted and normalized, then how does that fit into God’s Christmas plan of Salvation, because we are allowing in that which Christ came to be a remedy for and rid. It doesn’t work. The word “Lord” is defined as: An Owner, a master; a person possessing supreme power and authority. In scripture, the Supreme Being; Jehovah, to Christ, and to the Holy Spirit. The sovereign Almighty Creator owns and reigns over all creation and creatures, not sinful and rebellious man. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns. Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy.
Acts 20:35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
The second of the three places to focus our heart and mind in the acronym for the word “JOY” is the letter “O”, which stands for “others”. Focusing on Jesus should help us develop an attitude of joy of giving in generosity (in ministry, missions, philanthropy and offerings for the health, happiness, safety and well-being of others). When we bless others, we bless ourselves in the process. Christmas is the time when we celebrate the ultimate gift of God in Jesus Christ. Our Maker’s focus on giving the Savior of the world was “love” (John 3:16“For God so loved the world that He gave ). 1 John 3:16 tells us, “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters.” He gave us an example they we should willingly follow ourselves. True joy does not come from getting all that we can receive from others, but in giving all that we can give to others. It is this focus on others that will bring you joy, so discover the joyful blessing of giving out of pure love. It is wonderful to see the happiness and appreciation.
Matthew 25:40 “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.” Blessing others blesses the Lord as well. Find somebody in need, then give to them of your time and treasures in the name of Christ because that is what the Lord does and wants His people to do and for the kingdom of God. Let them know that you are giving help in the name of Christ because Jesus loves you. There are a lot of lonely and truly needy people in the world that the Holy Spirit will show you, if you are willing to ask and look ... people that need aid, support and Jesus. Share Jesus with them.
Romans 12:3 “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
The third of the three places to focus our heart and mind in the acronym for the word “JOY” is the letter “y”, which stands for “you”. Self is the third focus chronologically in order to keep our priorities straight, make sound judgments and pride at bay in a healthy balanced life. Ephesians 5:29-30 says, “for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are parts of His body.” We all start out single at one point, but must willingly make room for others (in family, vocation, church, and community). We will always find that “self” is a source of joy, but life and the joy of living is not just about you, so be sure to make room and space. You are a part of the equation (J+O+Y=JOY). We are comfortable with normal routines, but routines will change with time, situations and circumstances, so we have to adjust to be open and flexible, while standing firm on God, His holy Word and the Gospel truth.
No more let sin and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. Love self (the holy person that God designed and made); not sin or sorrow, but joy, because when we receive Jesus as Savior and Lord into our righteous heart, our lives are sacredly transformed and there is room for God, others, church and ministries. All virtues are a source of great joy. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove. The glories of His righteousness. And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.
Joy to the world.
In Christ, Brian
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