A Time for Joy

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”—John 3: 16-17 (KJV)

“Pastor Tim Keller said, ‘Nobody ever learns who they are by being told. They must be shown.’ In a sense, it’s one application of the adage, ’Actions speak louder than words.’”

“Against the mixed messages and confusing actions of broken people in a broken culture, the message of God’s heart rings clear. Who are you? You’re the one so loved by God that He gave His Son for Your rescue.”

Bill Crowder, “The Language of the Cross”, December 18, 2020 devotional from Our Daily Bread

A Perfect Being Arrives to Save Imperfect People

One Example: Ludwig van Beethoven

Many adjectives have been used to describe this brilliant composer. Most of them aren’t pleasant:

·        Cruel nature (He was nicknamed “The Beast” according to one biography.

·        Seriously flawed domestic and social life

·        Poor health (In fact, he had gone completely deaf by 1824, when he composed his last work, Symphony No. 9. “Ode to Joy” is one movement of that great symphony.)

This master of Classical music didn’t let anything stop him. He didn’t know the meaning of the word “limitations”. Here is a sample of the lyrics from the song. For the full text, please click here.

O friends, no more of these sounds!

Let us sing more cheerful songs,

More songs full of joy!

Thy magic power re-unites

All that custom has divided,

All men become brothers,

Under the sway of thy gentle wings.

All creatures drink of joy

At natures breast.

Just and unjust

Alike taste of her gift;

Through the splendor of the firmament;

Thus, brothers, you should run your race,

Like a hero going to victory!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

There must dwell a loving father

Do you fall in worship, you millions?

World, do you know your creator?

Seek Him in the heavens;

Above the stars must he dwell.

Flash Mob Performing “Ode to Joy”

My Conclusion

How does Christ’s birth help you feel healed and joyful?