All You Want for ChristmasНамуна

Joy to the World

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” – Revelation 21:3-5

Think

Each day is a reminder that the world is broken. Social media streams violence and hate. Emails herald frustration and criticism. Texts buzz with drama and chaos. And turning off notifications doesn’t silence the gnawing futility and incurable decay in my mind and body. Every square inch of this world is tainted by sin’s curse.

My heart groans for full and final restoration—a return to the Garden of Eden, freedom from the destruction of sin, living in total harmony with God, His people, and His creation.

Christmas gives us a taste of the first fruits of salvation, deliverance from the penalty of sin. So we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come...the Savior reigns!” But He has not yet delivered us from the presence of sin. So we eagerly await the second coming of Jesus to right every wrong and make all things new.

On that beautiful day, every sadness will be untrue, and every agony will be turned into glory. And we will sing, “No more let sins and sorrows grow! Nor thorns infest the ground! He comes to make His blessings flow! Far as the curse is found! Far as the curse is found! Far as, far as the curse is found!”

Apply

For now, all of our stories and songs of joy are mingled with sorrow. We believe Christmas brings good news of great joy for all people, but what gifts of renewal do you long for at Jesus’ return? We are confident that Jesus will return, but we must wait within a broken world. How does the joy of Christmas allow you to sing through your own tears?

Pray

Come, Lord Jesus! You know our pain, you hear our plea, you alone can save. In your presence are the fullness of joy and joy forevermore. Come right every wrong, comfort all distress, heal every wound, and restore all things broken. For your glory and our good. Amen.

Author - Brandon Fisher serves as the Lead Pastor of Keystone Church in Paradise, PA. Brandon graduated from Pequea Valley in 2000 and currently lives in Lititz with his wife (Bethany), daughter (Eloise), and Goldendoodle (Woody).