Our Journey to Bethlehem – Day 1 – Jesus came to give JOY to the world

Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, ……… Joy to the World, the Saviour reigns! ………………………………

When Elizabeth heard the sound of Mary’s greeting, the child in her womb received the Holy Spirit and leaped for Joy (Lk1: 44). Jesus brought JOY to the world in His first coming to earth as a baby (Lk 2: 10), in the little town of Bethlehem. The angelic choir appeared to a group of shepherds and proclaimed, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2: 10–11). When the star stopped over the house where Jesus lay, the wisemen was overwhelmed with Joy (Matt. 2: 10).

Jesus brought JOY when he was presented to all in the temple (Luke 2: 36–38). This joy was not only for Mary, Simeon, and Anna, but for the world. He brought JOY to many, during His ministry on earth. He healed a person, gave sight to the blind, gave life to the dead, cast out a demon, or forgave a sin, JOY was the immediate result. When the gospel spread in the days of the early Church, the message of JOY followed, for with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed, or lame were healed. So, there was great JOY in that city. (Acts 8: 7-8). Those who recognized Jesus as the promised Saviour and Redeemer of the world were filled with Joy (John 3: 29).

When Jesus, enters a heart, one is filled with Joy. The Joy you are to have as a Christian is the JOY of Jesus. Jesus came to rescue us, and all who would believe in Him, from the spiritual death of sin (John 3: 16–18). God has anointed the Lord Jesus with the oil of Joy (Heb. 1: 9). We are all anointed with the Oil of Joy or Gladness in our Baptism. A Joy which will remain with us all our Life. Remembering His words, living in His love, depending on Him, and obeying His commands, one will have full Joy. A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ (Jn 15:11).

Jesus is the joy of the world. St. Peter explains, “Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1: 8–9). The good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the reality of that salvation, is great joy to the world. Jesus has brought joy to the world. As His followers we, too, can bring JOY to the world by sharing the good news of salvation in Christ and by living in faithful and confident obedience to Him, knowing that the One in whom we have placed our hope is surely faithful. This is JOY to the world! He will bring JOY to the world when He comes again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19: 16).

Joy is a Gift from God. Jesus came to bring the great Joy of Good News. He brings the Great Joy of the Glory of God.  He brings to us the Great Joy of the peace of God. Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, Who resides in the heart of the believer. May all experience the JOY of Jesus this Christmas!