Devotions: Joy to the World!

O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God
And a great King above all gods

Psalm 95:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

One of the most popular songs at Christmas time is “Joy to the World.” Probably everyone has heard it. But what does it mean? “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” Do we really feel or express joy at the coming of Jesus? Do we even know why we should be joyful at Christmas? The song goes on to explain why we should have joy at Christmas, and always. The Lord has come to earth! He is no longer a distant deity with whom we have no contact or relationship. He came to earth so that He could share in our humanity, so that He would understand everything we go through. He is the King of the World, rightful Lord of everything, and we must acknowledge His Lordship over our lives or we deny who He truly is. We need to prepare room in our hearts for Him. He did not come just to dwell on earth for a few years and then leave. He came to dwell in us forever. He came to repair our estrangement so that we could have a relationship with Him and He could live in us. He brought us the joy of salvation and righteousness, the joy of relationship with Him! That is the joy of Christmas! Let us shout joyfully to all who hear!