6th December

Joy to the World

‘Joy to the Earth! The Saviour Reigns; Let Us Our Songs Employ’

Written by Verity Beards-Jones

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, symbolising our faith in the hope that Jesus will return again. This line from Joy to the World will structure my prayers this Advent as I meditate on the knowledge that, as Christians, we can have joy and hope in God regardless of our circumstances.

Joy to the Earth!

Recognise the divine hope and joy that Jesus’ resurrection affords, and give thanks.

Biblical joy is an attitude that God’s people adopt, not because of their happiness or circumstances, but because of their hope in God’s love and promise. No matter what we are going through, we can ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ (Philippians 4:4) because we are committed to seeing God’s plan fulfilled.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Keep me hopeful and joyful this Advent season as I anticipate Jesus’ return.

The Saviour Reigns

Acknowledge what biblical hope means for your everyday life.

When we hope in God in every situation, our strength is renewed: his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint’ (Isaiah 40:31).

Lord God, thank you for accepting me in my weakness and making your power perfect in me. I am so glad that you are my saviour.

Let Us Our Songs Employ

Sing, dance, and spread the Good News!

When we are living in Christian hope and joy, we want to share this with others. Walking with Jesus affects your every decision, until it becomes impossible to know you without knowing Jesus (see Jeremiah 34:33-4).

Give us your peace Lord, so that we can communicate it to one another in mutual love, and serve the human family in Jesus’ name, this Avent and always. Amen.