Joy to the World

He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth (Luke 1:14)

Is it difficult to sing this beautiful song today? Herein lies some of the problem:

Joy to the world

            U.N. warns of “spiraling humanitarian nightmare” in Gaza

The Lord is come

            Troops enter al-Shifa Hospital, bringing supplies and relieving stress and fear of staff and patients

Let earth receive her King

            Peru’s divisive ex-president freed after 16 years in prison for human rights abuse

Let every heart prepare Him room

            …some former aides say he shouldn’t be president. Will it matter?

And Heaven and nature sing

            A federal judge banned the separation of families at the U.S. southern border…

And Heaven and nature sing

            Xi says China seeks to be friends with U.S. and won’t fight hot war.

And Heaven and Heaven, and nature sing.

            Under a barrage of road rage, a woman found help from a stranger when her car stalled

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns

            Next door to Vesuvius, another volcano is waking up

Let all their songs employ

            “You cut our power, we knee-cap your biggest economic driver.”

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

            World’s first whole eye and partial face replacement give Arkansas new hope

Repeat the sounding joy

            Titanic menu sells for $100,000

Repeat the sounding joy

            About 113 WWII veterans die each day now

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

            …10-month-old toddler included in list of Hamas hostages

He rules the world with truth and grace

            Iowa presidential candidate pulls plug on campaign saying, “Not now, not the right time.”

And makes the nations prove

            Under bombardment, Gaza medics fight to save patients with no water or food available

The glories of His righteousness

            Only 10 Babe Ruth rookie cards have survived – going up for auction – opening bid 2.5 M

And wonders of His love

            President’s son indicted on nine new tax charges 

And wonders of His love

            Flu activity gaining steam in US while vaccinations lag

And wonders, wonders of His love

            “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16

            Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:4

Lay aside these headlines for just a moment and focus on the words to this age-old song (1719). We find a promise of better times; a message filled with great wonder of His coming, righteousness and hope all belong to us. The world around us may change, but He does not!

Sing with all your heart.

Joy to the World

Father, let us sing this song with ever-growing joy. AMEN.

(Headlines from CNN, FOX, and other major media new sources)

Mo Haner