"Let your heart fill with praise for what God is doing in you and for you today." Kathy Spampinato

Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.

The lyrics to this traditional Christmas Carol, are full of meaning for us, especially at this time of year. The birth of Jesus brings joy to the world. The Lord Jesus has come, and IS come. He came to us bringing joy, two thousand years ago, and IS. He is alive and with us now, currently, wherever we find ourselves today. Joy is our hearts' response to His redemption and forgiveness. He rescues us from ourselves and from the condition of our heart that separates us from God. He lived the sinless life we were not able to accomplish and made room for us to reconnect to God, our source of life and love.

Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.

Each individual has been given the gift of Christ: of redemption. However, we need to prepare room for Him in our hearts. The gift is ours, but have we opened it? Have we tried it on and seen how well if fits and what life and joy it brings to our lives? Have we invited Jesus into our hearts and made room for Him to speak to us and take up a position of loving authority in our lives? He has made provision for us, but have we made provision for Him? Is there room at the inn? Both heaven and nature rejoice when we make room for Christ and witness the love of God changing us and bringing us spiritual freedom. Luke 15:10 ESV states that "Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns. Let men their songs employ.

The impact of Christ's work on the earth and in our hearts, creates a new condition. It causes change and joy. The life-giving work of God changes our attitude, or actions, and our heart's desire. It causes praise to rise up. We are not bereft of hope. We are no longer alone and left to our own devices. We have hope in God who loves us. Our new identity in Christ realigns our priorities and causes us to put on a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3) Our motivation is moved from self -focus to exploring all that God has provided for us in Christ. Songs of rejoicing rise up.

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.

In Luke chapter 19: 37-40, we are told the story of Jesus approaching Jerusalem riding on a donkey. "As he was drawing near- already on the way down the Mount of Olives - the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the Highest!" When the Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke the disciples for their praise, he answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." Let your heart fill with praise for what God is doing in you and for you today.

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love.

Let me remind you that God rules the world. We are not controlled by governments and authorities that man has put in place. If we allow God to rule and reign in our hearts He will move on our behalf, change circumstances, and guide us through the difficulties of our lives.

Isaiah 9:7 states, "of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King.

Merry Christmas my friends!