“Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things…Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.” (Psalm 98:1, 4)
“Joy to the world, the LORD is come! Let earth receive her king.” Capturing the glorious essence of Christmas, the lyrics of this beloved carol, inspired by Psalm 98 and penned by English minister Isaac Watts in 1719, ring out praises to the LORD Jesus Christ as an expression of the abounding joy that fills our hearts as Christians. We should be overcome with rapturous joyfulness and rejoicing when we are reminded of why the incarnate Christ came to earth, born of a virgin in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Jesus faithfully fulfilled His redemptive mission to free us from the penalty and punishment of our sins so that we could have salvation and life, abundant and everlasting!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Joy is a product of the divine work of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the lives of everyone who has accepted God’s grace and forgiveness of their sins through faith in Jesus Christ. As believers grow in Christ’s likeness through daily prayer, diligent Bible study, regular association with fellow Christians, humble service to humanity, and trusting obedience to the LORD, joyfulness is among “the fruit of the Spirit” that is cultivated within our yielded hearts. Human feelings and emotions, ranging from happiness to sorrow, change with life’s shifting circumstances, but spiritual joy abides and sustains us, even in times of hardship and trial. Without Jesus, there is no joy. Because Christ came to save humanity, Christians can rejoice now and eternally!
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
