Joy to the World

If we could speak face to face today, you might just tell me that you are overwhelmed with all the disastrous happenings in the world. I know that some days find me scratching my head and asking, “what else, Lord.” Even in this season of peace, shooters attack unsuspecting people, earthquakes shatter, volcanos erupt, war rages, hostages suffer, and I could go on. Each news cast brings new terror and heartache.

As I read Luke 21 today, I found that Jesus talked of such occurrences in one of his final messages to his disciples. Jesus was headed to the cross; it was his last week on Earth. He taught in the temple and answered the question of concern that his followers voiced. “When shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” They voiced the question in response to his prophecy that the Temple would be destroyed. He went on to tell them about the end of the age.

As Jesus spoke, he mentioned wars, famines, pestilences, and fearful sights. He spoke of persecution, hatred against believers, and attacks on Jerusalem. I read this today and thought, “These words sound just like this morning’s news program.” Horrifying things are occurring, and we are caught in a world of trouble.

Interestingly, Jesus did not bemoan these facts, though. He stated them, and then he told his followers what to do and what NOT to do.

• Don’t be terrified (verse 9).

• Settle it in your hearts (verse 13).

• Take heed that you do not become engrossed and distracted by the activities and cares of this life (verse 34).

• Watch and pray always (verse 35).

  
  

In the middle of his message he offers great hope:

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28 NKJV).

Look up. Lift up your heads. Those are not words of despair but of hope. They cement the truth that each horrific thing we see occurring is just one more signpost declaring Jesus will return. Each event brings us one step closer to his second coming. Yes!

Christmas is the time that we celebrate Christ’s first coming. He came as a baby, a servant, a redeemer, our Savior. He came healing and teaching and comforting. He didn’t change the structure of the world’s governance when he came. He didn’t overthrow Caesar or castigate the Romans soldiers. That was not his purpose.

When he comes again, however, he will come as the reigning King, Lord of Glory, omnipotent Creator, Almighty God. He will establish his government, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. His followers will finally fully realize the purpose for which we were created – complete fellowship with him.

This time of year can be busy, and people are often harried with cares and concerns. We shop and we bake and we celebrate into exhaustion. However, if we remember Jesus’ words and warnings, we will look up with expectation. We will be encouraged by the truth that our redemption is closer than it was.

So, today, as I complete preparations for our Christmas celebration, I will lift up my head and listen for him.

I know he came the first time. I know He is coming again.

Perhaps today!

The familiar carol, Joy to the World, speaks not of Jesus’ first coming but of the time he will return to reign on the Earth. May it ring in our hearts and lives this Christmas season.

Joy to the World by Isaac Watts (public domain)

Joy to the world, the Lord is 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

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

hile fields and floods,

rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found

Far as the curse is found

Far as, far as the curse is found.

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

Photo – Beth Mims