It isn’t advent yet, I realize that. But, as a children’s choir director I’ve been thinking about Christmas music for a few months, and singing it with children for several weeks. It was just two weeks ago I began singing a song with some of my favorite kids at church, in preparation for our church’s Christmas program.
The song is taken directly from Luke 2:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
I can barely keep the tears from falling every time I hear them sing these words : “Joy that will be for all people!” No matter how confidently they sing, as a grown-up it doesn’t seem so easy sometimes….
Over the last week, post-election, I see many friends and acquaintances who seem to have forgotten that joy. So much fear, so much sadness, so much anger and confusion – but joy is nowhere to be found.
What is this joy the angel promised that was for all people?
Well, it is not joy because of my stuff or my great health, or because life is going my way, or because the right person was elected, or because my circumstances are perfect.
No. It is Joy because Jesus fulfilled the promise. He came to earth as a small baby. He lived a perfect life – and He died and rose in order to give me His righteousness, and eternal life. Joy because He’s made me free. Joy because He keeps His promises. Joy because He will come again! Joy because these gifts are truly for all who believe in Him!
It is this Joy, in the person of Jesus, that meets the heart of each person, full tilt, bringing with it, His peace. I’m thankful for these children in my choir who can sing, reminding me of this truth. May we all find our joy and peace renewed this Advent season, so that we too can sing with confidence, “Joy that will be for all people!”
daily portion 