Welcome to Christmas! The day has arrived! It's better than any dream you contrived! An air of peace seems to waft through the breeze, all set for excitement to cut through the ease. A day full of fun, family, and favor, with food and sweet treats set to savor. It's presents and trinkets all tied up in bows, the kids 'bout to burst as they handle the throe. Smiles they abound as each package unwrapped. Jigs they are danced, hands they are clapped. 'Tis Christmas and Tuesday oh my what a day!!! 
We'd better get going oh yes right away! There are Notes to be read and thoughts left to ponder. Oh, what could the song be? We all readily wonder! A song filled with glee, with robust belly laughter. A song filled with hope about life here and after. So steady yourselves for today something new. A Christmas Hymn Notes, the premise is true. A Savior we celebrate that takes away sin. His joy surrounds and drowns out the din. Let's see, here we go, oh who should we choose? Bing's, Dean's, or Perry's, with them you can't lose. But let's go a ways back, let's make it all final. We'll choose the first one to appear on a vinyl.
We'd better get going oh yes right away! There are Notes to be read and thoughts left to ponder. Oh, what could the song be? We all readily wonder! A song filled with glee, with robust belly laughter. A song filled with hope about life here and after. So steady yourselves for today something new. A Christmas Hymn Notes, the premise is true. A Savior we celebrate that takes away sin. His joy surrounds and drowns out the din. Let's see, here we go, oh who should we choose? Bing's, Dean's, or Perry's, with them you can't lose. But let's go a ways back, let's make it all final. We'll choose the first one to appear on a vinyl.
Written by Isaac Watts in 1719, "Joy to the World" is one of the world's most beloved and most published Christmas-time hymns. It is based on a combination of scripture: Psalm 98 King James Version of the Bible, Psalm 96:11-12 KJV, and Genesis 3:17-18 KJV It would be 129 years later that "Joy to the World" would find the tune that has become cherished by so many today. It seems every popular artist EVER has recorded a version of the song.
It is a song that to my knowledge has never charted, yet its influence during Christmas is without exception. Not too bad for a song that was never intended to be about Jesus' birth, rather it was written to celebrate Jesus' second coming to earth as King and Judge. Carefully reread the lyric in the context of the scripture in which it is based, and you see a far cry from a baby in a manger.
Regardless of the context, JOY is the overwhelming emotion when speaking about Jesus' entry into our world!
"Keen pleasure; elation" are the words used by dictionary.com to define the word "joy". However, as we come to this incredible day of celebration of Jesus' birth, we must be reminded that "joy" is so much more than an emotion that tugs on our heartstrings.
In the King James Version of the Bible, "joy" is listed 187 times. In these instances, we see an energy, a supernatural force that envelopes those to which the experience happens. In some instances, it is indescribable. So much more than happiness or contentment, this "joy" is experiential and difficult to explain.
As we celebrate Christmas today (did I mention it's Tuesday too?), take a moment and like Mary, ponder all the things that happened on that day. The ancient Jewish prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. (Fulfilled Prophecies at the Birth of Christ by Tim Chaffey on December 24, 2012, answersingenesis.com) Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds had angelic visits after God had been silent for over 400 years. And even 2 years later, a group of Eastern Mystics follows a new star in search of the Redeemer of the world. With each occurrence, this unfathomable joy was experienced by the participants of the events. This "joy unspeakable and full of glory" was on display and passed down by the narrative of those who were witnesses to the occasion.
No longer was God silent. The prophecy was being fulfilled before their eyes. The salvation of the world by God through Jesus was happening and continues to happen in the lives of those who will listen with attentive ears and open hearts to the True Story of Christmas.
Today, dear friend, "Joy" can be experienced by you! The story of Jesus seems to be miraculous. The redemption of mankind seemed impossible. But what seems impossible to man is possible with God. Jesus made the impossible...possible. Because of His love for you and me, we now have The Way to restore our relationship with God, a relationship that was broken in the Garden (He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found). At that moment we are forever changed from who we were. Because of Jesus...there is JOY!!!
Merry Christmas!!!
'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving You,
randy
No comments:
Post a Comment