Joy for Advent

    The carol says "Joy to the world.  The Lord has come".  Christmas is a bitter sweet season for many people.  Some of us miss the people and the celebrations of past years.  Sometimes it is necessary to alter our traditions, to do things differently, and we are saddened by the changes.  For some the inability to purchase the desired gifts for their family members because of the scarcity of money gives a bitter edge to the holiday season.  For some ill health or distance from home will cause them to miss the family gatherings this year, resulting in a nostalgic homesickness.  Tragic events such as the horrible massacre in Connecticut this week cast a pall of grief over the season of joy.
    So is there really "joy to the world"?  Yes, indeed.  We do not primarily celebrate our circumstances or our relationships with other people, although we may enjoy both very much.  But the event that we celebrate is the coming of Christ into our world to be Emmanuel, God with us, for each person.  No sickness or sadness or sorrow can change this glorious happening.  We can find joy in this event regardless of any of the circumstances of our lives.  The true joy of Christmas lies in the presence and love and forgiveness of our Savior.  Let's lift up our hearts and rejoice in His coming.   

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to this world to bring us love and forgiveness and joy in knowing You.  Amen.