Joy to the World 

Beautiful People, 

"Joy to the World" was composed by Isaac Watts as a theological response to Psalm 98, 96:11-12, and Genesis 3:17-18. It's a beautiful Christmas hymn; however, Watts' intention for the hymn was to celebrate Christ's second coming, not His first. With so much chaos and anxiety circuiting our hearts and minds, it's easy to forget that CHRIST IS COMING BACK. Yet, there is a joy to be had in Christ's second advent. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! The beauty of the Gospel is that we can experience that joy now! The joy of the Gospel is that Christ can rule in our hearts, unchallenged! Joy has come to us, and His name is Jesus! Joy to you and I, "no more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest [for] He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found."

Friends, joy is not only a phenomenon that happened at the first advent of Christ or will occur at His second advent; joy is available to us today through Jesus Christ!
Why should I be joyful about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one might ask. Well, let's first read what Jesus came to do! "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" and "break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil" (1 John 3:8 & Hebrews 2:14). The good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that He came to break the power and works of the devil in your life, yes you, the one reading this GMU. You can claim this joy as a present gift no matter what the devil throws at you because his works are broken. No matter how dark it feels right now, the power of darkness and hell are broken and can no longer tie you down to condemnation.

Joy is available to the one who accepts that Jesus came to destroy the devil's work in their hearts, minds, souls, families, and communities. The next time you sing "Joy to the World," remember that that joy is yours because Jesus has ransomed you and broken the power of the evil one in your life. Live, through faith, in joy today. How you will practically live, that joy is up to the Holy Spirit but live in it, live in Him. 

P.S. We have our last uGather for this year! We have an awesome program planned that includes: gifts from Santa, festival songs, karaoke, and prayer! Come and finish out the year with us this Thursday at 10:35 AM at College View Church! 

P.S.S. Entries for the devotional book are due December 9th at 4:30 PM. These are worth four uWorship credits and totally optional! 

Have a great day, friends!