Christmas is a week away. Finally! Or, Already? No matter how you’re feeling or how things are going, Immanuel!
Oh, you think there should be more to this message? Isn’t “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us,” enough? It is, but our hearts yearn for encouragement.
Are you familiar with "The Psalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament"? You are, in fact, the second part of the hymnic paraphrase of Psalm 98 found there we know so well we can sing it by heart.
In 1719, Isaac Watts published the above volume. It includes the beloved Christmas hymn (based on Psalm 98), "Joy to the World."
Watts didn't intend for this hymn to become a Christmas carol. He wished to write/sing about Christ's second coming. Verse 3, with its references to "sins...sorrows...thorns" and "the curse" actually departs from Psalm 98 and expounds upon the events of Genesis 3.
We, and people all around us, are burdened mightily by sins/sorrows/thorns/the curse. Adding to the burdens are the many tasks and events which clutter December’s calendar and to-do list. There is joy to be found in so much of the spectacle of the season, but it is momentary, fleeting.
But there is great and lasting joy to be found in all that our Savior-King has done and continues to do for us. The month of December isn't necessarily a month-long joyride for folks. It's busy, exhausting, anxiety-inducing and often tinged with deep sadness. For us, and for all around us.
But there is great joy! God help us to "repeat the sounding joy" at every opportunity to one another and to all around us. Christ the Savior is born, and yes, Sir Watts, he is coming again! Soon! Praise God!
Hear the words of the angel and respond with the shepherds: “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10,11)
A Blessed Christmas to you and yours!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Oh, you think there should be more to this message? Isn’t “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us,” enough? It is, but our hearts yearn for encouragement.
Are you familiar with "The Psalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament"? You are, in fact, the second part of the hymnic paraphrase of Psalm 98 found there we know so well we can sing it by heart.
In 1719, Isaac Watts published the above volume. It includes the beloved Christmas hymn (based on Psalm 98), "Joy to the World."
Watts didn't intend for this hymn to become a Christmas carol. He wished to write/sing about Christ's second coming. Verse 3, with its references to "sins...sorrows...thorns" and "the curse" actually departs from Psalm 98 and expounds upon the events of Genesis 3.
We, and people all around us, are burdened mightily by sins/sorrows/thorns/the curse. Adding to the burdens are the many tasks and events which clutter December’s calendar and to-do list. There is joy to be found in so much of the spectacle of the season, but it is momentary, fleeting.
But there is great and lasting joy to be found in all that our Savior-King has done and continues to do for us. The month of December isn't necessarily a month-long joyride for folks. It's busy, exhausting, anxiety-inducing and often tinged with deep sadness. For us, and for all around us.
But there is great joy! God help us to "repeat the sounding joy" at every opportunity to one another and to all around us. Christ the Savior is born, and yes, Sir Watts, he is coming again! Soon! Praise God!
Hear the words of the angel and respond with the shepherds: “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10,11)
A Blessed Christmas to you and yours!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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