Week 3 of Advent focuses on the joy we experience because of the Christmas story. We are looking at our faith this year through the Gospel of Mark, so we don’t get the popular historical setting that Luke shares with the stable in Bethlehem and the shepherds in the field nor do we get Matthew’s version that starts with the babe’s genealogy and then Joseph’s experience. Matthew jumps to the wise men, Herod, and the death of the young children. Mark instead starts with John the Baptist as an adult. Put the gospels together and we have three different experiences of the joy that comes with Christmas.
“Joy to the World” is one of the most recognized and sung Christmas songs. The basis for the song is Luke’s report. While Joseph and Mary are having the baby in Bethlehem, poor shepherds are out in the field watching their flocks. Angels appear and say my favorite words, “do not be afraid.”
‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
Luke 2: 10-14
Shepherds were poor, ordinary workingmen, definitely blue-collar laborers. They probably had little education and were probably low on the social hierarchy but they had the privilege of hearing an angel choir. I wonder what kind of news we would like to receive today from a heavenly messenger, “news of great joy.” If a savior were born today what do you think would be his role and with whom would he choose to associate? Even back then people did not expect an important person to appear in places without power and prestige. We are no different. But the Messiah did. And what was the reaction? Praise!!!
What would you like to praise God for today? What news brings you joy? Let’s read the lyrics of the hymn and ponder the praises that are talked about.
1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King.
2. Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns. Let all their songs employ.
3. He rules the world with truth and grace. And makes the nations prove.
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of his love.
Let us join those angels and shepherds in praising God today. Let’s listen for news for which we can rejoice. Thank you Lord that you speak to us ordinary people still.
On the Way to Wonder 