Imagine being given news that you know in an instant will forever change your life. You will never be the same.
That was Mary as the angel of the Lord appeared to her to deliver the news that she would “bear a son and shall call his name Jesus,” (Luke 1:31).
Now imagine that as you take in this news, through the shock and all the questions swirling around it, you declare, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word,” (Luke 1:38).
Now, after sharing this news, your response is this, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (Luke 1:47).
Mary responded with joyful obedience to something in her life that in no way was easy. The road to the birth of Jesus was long, and the journey was hard. Yet, she chose joy as her response.
The timeless message of joy is rooted in the message of Christmas. I wonder if that is because of Mary’s response to the news that she would be carrying the Savior of the world.
Let’s unravel one of the most beloved of Christmas songs – Joy to the World. No one actually knows how this song became associated with Christmas. It wasn’t written for a specific season but draws its inspiration from Psalm 98, celebrating the joy of the Lord year-round. Isn’t that the essence of Christmas? A truth to be celebrated not just for a month but throughout the year.
The work I get to do at Impact 360 is incredible. I get a front row seat into the lives of students who are learning and growing in their understanding of and love for the Lord. I also get a window into the hardships of their lives. I hold close some of their painful pasts and see God redeem and bring healing to their life, just as He did mine. God gives me little reminders to celebrate the joy of the Lord through the lives of our students. He fills my days with inexpressible joy!
Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world the savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
As we stand together this year to sing “Joy to the World,” let the lyrics resonate with these reflections. Let it be a reminder that joy in Jesus transcends the boundaries of time and season. Think of Mary choosing joyful obedience in the midst of the most terrifying circumstances. What will you choose?
Let the joy of Jesus echo in our hearts not only during December but throughout the year. May we be a little more like Mary, experiencing the fullness of joy that He brings.
As you examine the different areas of your life, how can you faithfully live out joyful obedience?
By Shea Foster
Impact 360 Institute
Coordinator, Program Summer Experiences and The Three Initiative