As I reflected on Advent and the Joy candle that was lit this past Sunday, I thought of one of the most famous Christmas Carols ever written, “Joy to the World”. According to an article at Crossway.org, Joy to the World, written by Isaac Watts, was never intended to be a Christmas Carol. However, these words provide us with good reason to have great joy and spread it everywhere we go.
Let us take a moment to think about where we would be if it were not for our Savior Jesus Christ coming to the earth to seek and to save the lost. He did this through His submission to the Father and taking upon Himself the sins of the world. He took our place and paid the penalty for our sin. “Let the earth receive her King!” Once we accept the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we can truly proclaim, that our Savior reigns!
While driving through various states, I have seen big billboards lit up with bright lights so you can read “Jesus Saves”, “Got Jesus”, or simply the word “Joy”. Think about the numbers of people that have driven past them and have read those words over and over. Although many may have been impacted by them, there is nothing like encountering a person that just gushes with joy. I urge you to take a few minutes and think of the goodness of God and about the depth of His love for you. When you grasp the intensity of His love, you will be like a giant billboard lit up for all to see the joy that only Jesus can provide.
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
Pastor Dean Fletcher
