The Carols of the King - Pt 1

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” (Nehemiah 8:9-11 ESV).

I’m completely addicted to the Christmas Season. I can’t wait to decorate every year. I start listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. I start watching the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies as soon as they air. In fact, Alexa has now memorized my voice command, “Alexa, play Christmas music.” I fully expect her to say, “Again? Wouldn’t you like another selection?” It takes very little for me to get into the Christmas spirit! With that in mind, that brings me to the series we’ll start today. I am choosing a different Christmas Carol to highlight each day. Today we are looking at “Joy to the World.” If you want to view a video of this carol by Pentatonix before reading the devotional, you may find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xo64Q2ucQ8. Isaac Watts wrote “Joy to the World” in 1719. Since then, every Christmas season, carolers cast those words into the air like a lighthouse shines its beam through the fog and rain of the storm for every ship seeking a safe port. Every one of us has had those storms in life we are called to sail through. The thrill of hope within the message of this carol is the Gospel that touches a weary world with anticipation of making it home safely. Joy came to the world because God, our great Creator, loved His creation so much that He sent His Son to reveal His story, so that over time, His character and ultimate good will toward mankind would be recognized. The impact on earth of Christ’s birth will never diminish despite enemies’ attempts to stop it. I like the truth found in John’s Gospel that reminds us that the world would not be able to contain the books that could be written about what the Lord did while on earth (John 21:25). Since then many more testimonies of His transforming love have been and will be written. Our reading today records that Nehemiah, the leaders, and the people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles with great joy, after sharing God’s Word. This season, we too can rejoice! We rejoice at the thought of the Savior’s birth, His purpose, and His inheritance. What will you rejoice about during this Christmas season?