When will we sing 'Joy to the World'?

                                       

                                              When Will We Sing 'Joy to the World'?

Enjoying thinking about other generations' thoughts about Christmas.

I am finding out how their celebration of God's Incarnation at Bethlehem was joined with celebration and anticipation of His Second Coming. And how many carols reflect that -- the first verse or two is about Bethlehem and the last verses celebrate His victorious future return.

Think about "It Came upon A Midnight Clear."  The first verse describes the angles' visit proclaiming the birth of the baby Jesus. The the last verse moves us forward to the future: "For lo! The days are hastening on, by prophets bards foretold, when with the ever circling years comes round the age of gold. When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing."

From Bethlehem to the Millenium! Other carols paint the same picture.

And then there is "Joy to the World" which is completely about His Second coming! I remember hearing someone say once that that carol shouldn't be sung at Christmas  because it isn't about Bethlehem and Mary and Joseph at all - it's all about the future.

But that's the point -- our ancestors in their Christmas services intentionally celebrated both comings. What better way to celebrate Christmas than by joyously singing about His victorious return!

The first time He came in disguise, secretly, with no fanfare. But the next time He will come with His angelic army, publicly, seen by all, and all will bow down before Him in worship, either joyfully and eagerly, or with terror and fear.

I love the idea that our ancestors  celebrated both events at Christmas, and I want to experience Christmas that way also! So let's sing "Silent Night" and then "Joy to the World" -- so we can see the whole picture!

The first time He came in disgise