November 28, Advent-Our Savior Reigns
“Joy to the World, our Savior reigns.”
Conclusively, Christmas pronounces the reign of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although announced at His birth that the Savior has come, the pre-incarnate existence of Jesus taught in the Scriptures defines our Lord as having always existed at the right hand of the Father. Therefore, He did not come to have establish a reign, He came as the One already reigning. His purpose incarnationally, was to establish His rule and reign in our hearts even as it is in Heaven. And in His second advent, Christ will establish His Kingdom once and for all. But make no mistake of the fact. He has always reigned, and as the babe in the manger on that holy night, the King of kings visited humanity. And our lives have never been the same. Our Savior has come. As we trust in Him, we are saved. So, in preparation for Advent season, allow the joy of our Savior’s reign to fill your heart.
Isaac Watts authored the words to “Joy to the World” in 1719, a Christian Hymn that as of the late 20th Century had become known as the most published Christian Hymn in North America. This song was based upon Psalm 98, and Watts originally intended this hymn to speak as much of the coming of Christ as the King of Kings at the end of the ages, as to speak of the babe in a manger at the advent of His earthly entrance. Therefore, while we sing of His coming at Christmas, the joy that is proclaimed is the joy not only of Christ’s birth, but of His kingly reign as well. “Joy to the World, our Savior reigns.”
Psalm 98 proclaims, “shout for Joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song…let them sing before the lord…He will judge the earth with righteousness.” In this pronouncement by the psalmist, the reality of Luke 2 is discovered, for the birth narrative of our Lord represents an announcement of the Savior’s arrival that burst into a celestial song:
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:9-14)
This song issued an overwhelming experience of joy. And we find in this momentous presentation that joy is literally brought to earth and made available to mankind.
So today, at this very moment, pause long enough to allow the reality of the reign of Christ to take first place in your season of celebration, in your activities, and in your heart. Do not minimize Christmas to the simple announcement of a babe. Instead, focus on the Godhead sending the Son, who willfully chose to lay aside His heavenly prerogatives to be born in humanity. Christmas celebrates God with us. Christmas announces the entrance of the King into our lives. "And Heaven and nature sing."
Blessings.
