We so easily lose the meaning of this season in our day-to-day busyness. Christmas is about celebrating something that already happened: the beginning of Jesus’ life on earth some two thousand years ago. We celebrated it last year, the year before that, and the year before that. We re-create the same schedules and traditions over and over, and the repetition of trees, carols, and commercials can drown out our enthusiasm–well, at least for me!

But Christmas isn’t just about what has happened; it’s also about what will happen. Jesus’ mission on earth did not stop with his miraculous birth, but included 33 years of loving and saving the lost, to the point of dying for our sins. Then, even death was not the end. He rose from the grave, continued his ministry, and ascended into heaven. Our Savior is alive and well and is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:2)!

So now, we celebrate Christmas as part of an ongoing story that we get to be a part of. When we become Christians, we die to our old ways of living and put our lives in the hands of Christ, as we trust and follow him. As we call to mind the gospel, we are rejuvenated in celebrating the birth of the One who is our very life. Not only that, but remembering his birth should serve as a reminder that Jesus will appear again.

Take the famous Christmas hymn “Joy to the World,” originally written by Isaac Watts to celebrate the second coming of Christ. Watts recognizes the ongoing rule of Jesus when he writes, “He rules the world with truth and grace,” trusting that Jesus was sitting at the right hand of God at that very moment. Then, the famous hymnist challenges us to “let every heart, prepare Him room.” This is not just a song about Jesus’ birth, but a song celebrating his ongoing work as we await the return of our King. The anticipation of Advent and the holiday hustle take on new meaning when we think about how Jesus’ birth is not the last time he appears. When he does appear again, he will fulfill his promises to make all things new (Revelation 21).

Respond

Listen to “Joy to the World” and consider the lyrics closely. What parts of this song have lost their meaning for you? How can you focus on the coming of Christ and “prepare him room” today?

Engage with Kids

Find the lyrics for “Joy to the World” online or in a songbook. Look at them together and talk about them, line by line. Praise God by singing this song together.