Connecting Point: Joy for a Weary World

‘Tis the season for joy. In the last couple of years, I’ve been sincerely questioned if I truly have felt this way, and I have concluded that in these times people are feeling more stressed than in the past. I’m not pretending to ignore current difficulties;

however, I have a different perspective due to my faith in Jesus Christ. I purposely choose joy over woe, and not just because it’s the “Christmas”

season.

By now you’ve heard the familiar sounds of

Christmas songs either over the radio or other forms of media. Communities are preparing for their annual Christmas events, special church services, and more. Carolers are filling the air with beautiful melodies and harmonies.

The truth is joy is an attribute Christians should have all year round, even in spite of various

circumstances. Why? Simply because nothing else compares to the matchless love of Christ. Jesus spoke of this great love, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and

remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you,” (John 15:9-12).

Back in 1719, Isaac Watts is known for writing what we know today as the popular carol Joy to the World. Surprisingly, the origins of this song are

actually rooted in poetry. Watts penned thoughts from Psalm 98. Over a century later in 1836,

Boston music teacher Lowell Mason composed the first rendition of Watts poetry into song for a Christmas celebration. Even more interesting, Watts intended his original poem not for Christmas but for the “Second Coming” of Jesus Christ. This fact puts a whole new spin on his famous lyrics.

In a world that is overwhelmed with fret, woe, and weariness, the good news has always echoed:

“He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove, and glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love.” God is sovereign over all the madness humanity has encountered; therefore, our hope is found in the return of Jesus one day. Without the birth of Jesus, we would never have the “second coming.” All of this gives us true joy.

As you go about your daily routine and business, keep in mind God’s love for you through Jesus Christ. Remember true joy is complete when we also love others unconditionally because herein lies the remedy for an ailing world lost without hope. Choose joy.