Finding Purpose, Hope and Joy Through Jesus’ BirthSample

## Day 15 – Sunday: Joy Comes from God Joy to the World; the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing. Isaac Watts published those lyrics in 1719, but they weren’t originally a Christmas song. They were a poem based on Psalm 98. Even though the song wasn’t initially written about Jesus’ birth, the theme does apply. Jesus’ purpose in coming was not to judge, but to save. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields & floods, rocks, hills & plains Repeat the sounding joy. Joy surrounded Jesus’ birth. Prior to Jesus’ birth, John leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. Mary expressed joy in her song of praise: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:47). Following Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaimed, “good tidings of great joy.” The shepherds responded to their worship with great joy and action. Then many months later, we see the joy of the magi as they come to worship the Messiah. Joy was woven throughout the events of Jesus’ birth. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found. Jesus’ birth results in joy for us today too! While we were lost in sin, Jesus died for us. As God, He laid down His life for us, providing us the gift of eternal life. That is a cause for eternal joy! He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love. This week, we’ll learn about those who expressed joy during the events of Jesus’ birth.