Many churches all over the English speaking world will be singing "Joy to the World" this Sunday. Many have noticed that this Isaac Watts hymn does not describe the first advent of Christ coming in the incarnation, but speaks instead of the yet future Millennial Kingdom. Although this world would not "receive her King" when the Christ-child was announced, there will be a day when the whole world will see the risen Christ and every knee will bow and every tongue confess.

For us as Christians, we sing "Joy to the World" in anticipation and hope of a day that will one day make all things right. Of all people in the world, those belonging to the family of God through Jesus Christ have the greatest reason for celebrating Christmas. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” The grace of God, the faith to believe, and the salvation that proceeds from that faith are all the gift of God. We have been redeemed from our sins and have entered into fellowship with God Himself as His very own children. Our salvation cost us nothing, but cost the Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God everything. But He willingly gave over His life so that we could have eternal life with Him.

I don't know what presents, if any, you will receive under your Christmas tree on Christmas morning. But I do know this, Christ is the greatest gift. Having received the gift of His salvation, may the Lord continue to shower His blessings upon you (James 1:17) as you seek to walk with Him in the coming year.