JOY TO THE WORLD!
Most of you know that my favorite song of all time is "Joy to the World". As Christians, I believe that we have the best reason, and should be, joyful at all times. I cannot think of anything that gives more joy than knowing Christ personally. The history of the classic song makes it even more intriguing. Penned in 1719 by the great hymn creator Issac Watts. This song was not intended to be a Christmas carol, not even a song. It was part of Watt's collection of poems "The Psalms of David" . Issac took the Old Testament text and made subtle adjustments from the inspiration of Jesus in the New Testament. In 1836, 117 years later, Lowell Mason composed a melody for the second part of the poem, and the carol "Joy to the World" was born. Mason was influenced by Handel. The theme of his melody was believed to be inspired by "Comfort Ye" from the "Messiah" (which I mentioned last week). Ironically, "Joy to the World" was written in reference to Christ's second coming. However, as one historian stated, you cannot have a "Second coming" without a "First". Thus, the somewhat controversial carol was born. Another fun fact relating to my "favorite song" is that Issac Watts was often thought to be a "black sheep" during his time. He was considered a heretic because of his contemporary lyrics, which "rocked" music, especially the world of worship. Instead of the usual dull, monotonous hymns, his songs created deeper feelings, personal commitment, and emotion. I know that I feel radiant inside when I sing "Joy to the World!". I worship.
We are in the heart of Advent - the special time to help us focus and prepare for Immanuel. The theme of this Sunday in Advent is Joy. Are you experiencing, and even more importantly, sharing the Joy in YOUR World because of Christ? Paul, reminds us to be deliberate in our joy. "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). We live in a world that needs and longs to experience real JOY, the joy found only in Christ our Lord.
We see the joy of Jesus everywhere in the Gospels. Here are some ways that I can spread "joy" this Holiday. Again, I challenge you to make and then follow through with your own list.
Claim the Joy that comes from Christ in your own life, (You cannot share what you do not have.)
Look for and celebrate the uniqueness of others - even the "black sheep".
Genuinely put others first.Jesus smiled, played, and laughed. It is ok for me to do as well.
Choose happiness
Give a compliment, seasoned with a smile.
Practice true gratitude.
Count my blessings, then give one to someone else.
Today is December 16. This is from Luke 16:13 (NIV). Jesus has just shared the "Parable of the Shrewd Manager". He shares with the Pharisees and those listening, that those who can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much. But you must choose wisely who you will serve. Verse 13 reminds us...
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
May we choose wisely who we serve. And may we be found trustworthy, in both the big and the little. And as we show our commitment and trustworthiness, may it be seasoned with the unshakeable joy that we have because of our relationship with our Master, Christ Jesus. For it is only through our personal, growing, relationship with Christ Jesus that we will truly experience the Joy of this special season. Find it, claim it, share it. Immanuel - God is with us.
Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come!
See you Sunday... And Remember...
YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)