Joy to the World

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
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John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned toward him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!”
 
ONE popular Christmas hymn is “Joy to the World.” The angels declare joy has come in Jesus’ birth. Mary Magdalene declares joy is alive before her in John’s report of Jesus’ resurrection. From the angel’s, “I bring you good news of great joy.” to Mary’s “Rabboni!” exclamation we receive a message: Joy to the world! The Lord has come.
   Indeed, Mary represents us all. Jesus found her chained in despair, captured by seven demons. Jesus released Mary to the joy of salvation in Christ, so she could follow, serve and learn from the Son of God. But then came the cross. Mary, the other women who also cared for Jesus and Jesus’ disciples suffered an inexpressible anguish. What sorrow and despair to witness their beloved Good Shepherd die on the excruciating, cursed cross.
   But look! That’s all gone now. Despair is done! Now Mary knows joy has come.
   Yes, our risen Lord has come, and he has made himself fully known to Mary, her friends. Now, even more, the Spirit has revealed him to the world - to even you and me. The psalmist of old wrote of this in the advent, the anticipation, of the Messiah: Psalms 14:7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! God’s promise is fulfilled. Jesus was born. Jesus has lived as a man. Jesus suffered the cross. Jesus died as a man. Jesus rose as the Son of God, Savior of the world. Salvation has come out of the tomb to restore the world. Satan is conquered. Death is done. 1 Corinthians 15:55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
   Against the culture, out of the norm, out of their past and out of the tomb’s despair, Mary and the others stepped into joy to become the first missionaries, the first ambassadors to represent the risen Christ. Yes, Mary, your despair was deep. But your joy is so much higher! No matter what anyone said to you, you know he lives in you  because despair is gone.
   Joy to the world, the LORD is come! Be sure your joy prompts you tell, “Jesus is alive.”
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being Joy to the World. Amen.