“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). -Matthew 1:23 (ESV)

Finally, Christmas Day is here, where gifts are exchanged, and families come from far and wide to get together. Even nonbelievers celebrate Christmas for these reasons. But true believers harbor a joy that only Jesus brings.

Especially during the holidays, commercialism is relentless, from TV ads to billboards to sales specials everywhere you go. They all tell you that you can buy happiness for you and your loved ones…that you deserve it! All of it is worldly distraction, selling nothing that will ultimately bring the deepest joy to your heart that only Jesus can.

True joy came to this world in a very, very dark time. But it was in that time when the God who loved this world so much decided to live among us in the flesh. Imagine it: The Creator and Lord of All, letting Himself be knit in Mary’s womb, then birthed, then to live among us!

Thank you, Lord, for loving us so, and delivering us. Your Son walked among us to ransom and save us all. What greater joy is there than to be loved by, and to walk in the laws of, God Himself?

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let every heart prepare Him room! Merry Christmas, true believer!

Today’s soundtrack

Pentatonix’s acappella rendition of “Joy To The World” is upbeat and refreshingly heartfelt, without any musical accompaniment needed.