Joy to the World

Joy can seem astonishingly elusive—even during these days leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The announcement of the angel—“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy…”—echoes in your ears; but you struggle to force a smile when anyone wishes you, “Merry Christmas.” If there is any word that comes close to describing your state of mind, it is “anxious.”

The flood of catalogs filling your mailbox and sales inserts spilling from your newspaper, remind you of all the things you don’t have (but wish you did). Still you know you won’t get much sympathy as you sort through all the letters asking you to respond to the great need of the “less fortunate” in the community and around the world.

Bombings and beheadings overseas, riots and demonstrations across the country, and shootings in the streets you drive every day, leave you feeling hopeless when the carolers sing of “peace on earth.” Even the relationships with the people you’ve shared your life with for years seem strained and unsettled.

You move slowly as you start your day—going though an inventory of your aches and pains. You listen carefully to the ads that punctuate the morning news with the promise of some new drug that will alleviate your ailments. As the announcer continues to list all the possible side effects and contraindications of the cure he is promoting, doubt that there is any possibility of healing adds to your distress.

Nevertheless, as a community of faith, we gather excitedly, stand expectantly, and wait patiently for the one who proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

May you discover indescribable joy as you affirm the great gift God has given you—the gift of life through faith in Jesus who was born in Bethlehem and is coming again.