Of all the festivities and traditions of this time of year, I鈥檝e always most enjoyed the sense of joyfulness: Perfect strangers exchanging smiles and Christmas wishes; letters and phone calls from friends and families; concerts, as well as uplifting radio and TV programs. These have always brightened the season for me.
Although I still enjoy what I can, a more sombre attitude pervades our world this year. From addiction to unruly zealots (there, I finally found a 鈥渮鈥� word), folks are far more wary of speaking to someone they don鈥檛 know. In the midst of an unusually cold winter, the thought of homeless folks trying to find some warmth is heartbreaking but there鈥檚 only so much one person can do. And, don鈥檛 we have constant exposure to media鈥檚 coverage of political upheaval?
Interestingly enough, world conditions at the time of Jesus鈥� birth were no better. Palestine at that time, was controlled by outside rulers who were 鈥渇riends and allies鈥� of Rome. A pawn situated between Syria and Egypt, political unrest and corruption marked everyday life for everyday citizens; in other words, the people back then were subjected to many of the same stresses and circumstances that we see.
In light of all this, the angels鈥� message of 鈥淛oy to the world鈥� was a new voice in an old chorus. How does one experience joy in the midst of trouble? What kind of joy do these heavenly beings promise to a hurting audience? The words of that beloved carol, 鈥淛oy to the Lord鈥�, written by Isaac Watts and the music composed by Handel are so often pushed aside. 鈥淭he Lord has come鈥�, they proclaim.
Are you going through a season of turmoil? Does joy seem far out of reach?
Perhaps, like me, you need to remind yourself: The Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!
