Ultimate Source of Joy: Third Week of Advent – Joy: Rejoice Always

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” ~Philippians 4:6-7

Ultimate Source of Joy

Over 300 years ago, an English hymn writer and theologian, Isaac Watts, published “Joy to the World.” It wasn’t a song but a poem reinterpreting Psalm 98. It remained relatively unknown for over a century. It was not until 1848 that it was paired with music by an American composer named Lowell Mason. Drawing inspiration from George Frideric Handel’s compositions, especially Messiah, Mason created what has become one of the most well-known and beloved Christmas carols of all time.

What does Watt’s three-century-old poem, Mason’s pre-Civil War era song, and Paul’s 2,000-year-old words have to do with Christmas? All three inspire us to find the ultimate source of joy.

Christ's coming into the world meant for the first time, God would be with us like never before. He became human like us, lived with us, and died for us. One of Jesus’s names is, Emmanuel, meaning ‘God with us.’ Although not physically, He can be with us every day of our life. “Let every heart prepare Him room” as Mason’s song goes. That room can only be filled by true joy brought by the one and only Jesus.

Always improve the present moment.