Joy to the World

(2 Minute Read plus video. 23Dec2020)

Merry Christmas everyone!
Christmas Blessings to all readers of the Bible-Science Guy Blog!

Despite 2020 being a year full of turmoil, trouble, and disappointments, the year ends on a high note as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the One born to die.

But why are you and I the underlying reason for the season?

It is because you and I are sinners, and Jesus was born to die to save you and me from sin and death.
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Jesus came to call men to repentance from sin and to give His life as a ransom for them. He came to give everlasting life to all who trust in Him. (John 3:16-18)

That is the truth that should fill our hearts and minds with thanksgiving and worship throughout this Christmas season.

Many men have sought to be god. But only one God, the true and only God, has sought to be man.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:5-8)

This truth is heralded in the cherished Christmas hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Charles Wesley (1707–1788), author of some 6,500 hymns. Here is its sixth verse:

Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

The Great Creator Himself has rescued His creation — starting with its pinnacle, man — by Himself becoming a man. No wonder we urge joy to the world: the Lord is come!

The much-beloved Christmas hymn Joy to the World is by Isaac Watts (1674–1748), recognized as the “Godfather of English Hymnody.” The hymn is based on Scripture passages including Psalm 98 and Psalm 96:11–12 along with Genesis 3:17–18.

According to Hymnary.org, Joy to the World is the most-published Christmas hymn in North America. Second is Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

The hymn Joy to the World emphasizes how all of creation joyously welcomes its Creator and King. Here is a majestic YouTube video of the hymn with lyrics, choir, and orchestra. Can you hear the allusion to Genesis in the third verse?

 

Questions to Ponder

1. Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. How do you plan to honor Him?
2. In what sense are you and I the reason for the season?
3. Can you think of someone who needs to understand the reason for the season? Do you have a plan to explain it?

Share your thoughts on these questions in the comments below. It could encourage or help another reader.

For Christ and His Kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria. Alere Flammam Veritatis.

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©William T. Pelletier, Ph.D.
“contending earnestly for the faith”
“destroying speculations against the knowledge of God”
“for the defense of the gospel”
(Jude 1:3; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 1:16)
Wednesday December 23, 2020 A.D.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Romans 6:3-5 ESV)

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