“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth… Out of his (Jesus’) fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” John 1:14–16
Lord Jesus, though there’s no Mary or Joseph, stable or manger, shepherds or angels in John’s account of your birth, you are definitely there. You are the only “star” on the horizon in this nativity scene.
In your 33 years of incarnate life, you accomplished everything necessary for the redemption of your Bride and the restoration of the cosmos. You are mighty to save and quick to redeem, humble in your birth and exalted in your reign. Throughout our lives, you are dispenser of our joys and sovereign over our sufferings. (Whew!)
Jesus, we should sing, “Joy to the World” year-round, for you are presently ruling the world with your grace and truth, and making all things new and beautiful. Because of you, what’s now more true of us than our failures, heartaches, and pain; our messy relationships and every health issue?
A big portion of this: From the riches of the Gospel, we keep receiving one blessing after another—new mercies every morning, and grace upon grace for every circumstance. We’re robed in your righteousness, in God’s unwavering favor, and citizens of heaven. We enjoy your steadfast intercession and never-ending advocacy. Jesus, as surely as you came the first time on time, so shall it be with your second and last coming. Joy to the World (and us), indeed. So VERY Amen!