“Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King!”
Notice how later verses of this favorite carol say, “let heaven and nature sing” and then later, “while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.” Doesn’t it seem like His creation sings this carol for the birth of Jesus? Yes!
This made me ponder two other Advent themes, Joy and Peace. Joy is something as Christians we carry in our heart and spirit when we give our lives to Christ. Jesus lives in us, and we carry the joy that He and the Father and Holy Spirit share. It is indomitable. It cannot be snuffed out by events of the day or by any enemy. It’s a permanent deposit that accompanies His Spirit when we give our lives to Him.
The world likes to talk about happiness. But in the world, happiness is fleeting and dependent on circumstances. The joy experienced in the Creator God isn’t. I was musing about this as I walked through the forest, which seemed like another carol — in the bleak midwinter, frosty wind — even on a sunny day. And yet, despite the gray and brown scenery, God’s abundant care for me revealed several treasures that brought joy to my heart. I’ve come to see how He places gems in my path to encourage me.
We stopped on a bridge as my pup likes to look over the side and bark at the moving water. There in front of me was a glistening milkweed pod that had burst open. Its silken threads were billowing in the soft breeze as I studied it. Those of you who have been reading these blogs know that milkweed pods are a favorite of mine. It was a moment of joy in my heart to discover something so lovely because I knew God had placed it there to remind me of His constant presence.
That joy made me think about what else resides in my heart because of the Savior. He also brought us Peace. This is not peace as the world defines it between governments. It is peace that passes all understanding. It is peace regardless of the circumstances of life. That peace depends on the unchangeable nature of God, not on the changeable circumstances of life.
So let heaven and nature sing. Let your heart sing with joy as we celebrate the birth of Jesus in nine days. And even though we may not have peace on earth yet, you can have peace in your heart for the Savior of the world has come.
Enjoy this short video of God’s creation, silken threads caught in a gentle breeze.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
