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The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy to the World, Indeed!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This was the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:14–16 (NIV)

Lord Jesus, though there’s no Mary or Joseph, stable or manger, shepherds or angels, in John’s account of your birth, you are definitely there. You are the only “star” on the horizon in this nativity scene, and your glory fills the sky.

We praise you for becoming flesh, and for “tabernacling” among us. Though equal to, yet distinct from the Father, you didn’t consider your glory something to be tightly grasped, or selfishly exploited. Rather, you emptied yourself by becoming a man. But not just any ordinary man, but a servant-man, the Servant of the Lord, the second Adam—our substitute and Savior.

In your thirty-three years of incarnate life, you accomplished everything necessary for the redemption of your beloved Bride, and the restoration of the world you love. We magnify and adore, worship and love you, Lord Jesus. You are mighty to save and quick to redeem, humble in your birth and exalted in your reign, dispenser of our joys and sovereign over our sufferings. Hallelujah!

We should sing, “Joy to the World” year-round, for you are presently ruling the world with your grace and truth. You are making the nations prove the wonders of your love, as the gospel runs from heart to heart and nation to nation.

From the riches of the gospel we keep receiving one blessing after another—grace upon grace. We’re robed in your righteousness and under God’s favor; we have your steadfast intercession and never-ending advocacy; citizenship in heaven and protection in the world; the work of the Spirit and assurance of heaven. Why would we ever whine or worry? Joy to the world, indeed. So very Amen we pray, in your near and exalted name.
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