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JOY
As the beloved Christmas carol, which Christians, around the world, have sung from early childhood, joy, fully emobdied in the Lord Jesus Christ, born in a stable so long ago in crowded Bethlehem, abides in our hearts just because of Him. It matters not what may be going on in the world or in personal matters, that abiding joy from Jesus keeps us, because the joy of the Lord is our strength.
When He came to us that night, as the carol says, "THE LORD IS COME!!!!!!!" That realization in itself, is the basis for all lasting joy. "THE LORD IS COME!!!" How miraculous, virgin-born, coming at the exact time which the prophets of old foretold, in the exact place, Bethlehem Ephratah, so small, and yet, sprawling, large enough to receive the Son of God, as He became flesh and dwelt among us, pitching His tent beside us! "THE LORD IS COME!!!" Think about this glorious truth as you go about your preparations in this busy season which has been set aside to celebrate His first coming. "THE LORD IS COME!!!" Where would any of us be had he not come?
The next line of the carol says, "Let earth receive her King." Yes, oh, yes, let earth receive her King!!! Even though He was born in a lowly stable, the animals attending His birth, and the humble shepherds, coming from the fields to worship Him, heavenly hosts in the skies sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men." Such contrast would be hard to match, if not impossible-the stable, the shepherds, the Newborn King, and the angels, all included in one miraculous event that would change the world forever. Oh, the wisdom of our God and His unsearchable ways, past finding out, yet, He is listening constantly for the voice of every human, who desires to know His ways, which He gladly reveals when we ask and wait upon Him. "LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING!!!!!!!"
"LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM!!!!!!!" A thousand times, "Yes," let every heart prepare Him room!!! This is the essence of His coming to that lowly place, so that He could abide in the rooms of our hearts. To Him, our hearts are more palatial than the most beautiful palace anywhere on earth. This is the reason He came to sinful mankind. He knows who and what we can be with Him living in our hearts, and He knows our utter hopelessness without Him. Will you prepare room in your heart today for the One Who came to live among us and die on a cross to save us from our sins, so that He could take up abode in your heart, the place He longs to be? Give Him your heart today, forsaking all other gods and idols, and He will immediately move into the castle of your heart with great joy! "LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM!!!"
"AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING!!!" Heaven sang at the coming of the King that night so long ago, and heaven sings every time one sinner repents and the King comes to live in his or her heart. Glory to God in the Highest!!! How awesome is our God! And, yes, "let the fields, mountains, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy!" Let the trees of the fields clap their hands at the majesty of our King, Jesus Christ, Our Lord! He spoke the worlds into creation, and He came to save every soul who will prepare room for Him. Let's never let it be said of our hearts, "There is no room in the inn."
The Lord came as a baby in Bethlehem that holy night, and He is coming back to receive those who belong to Him. Do you belong to Him today? It is His great desire that you are one of His. Throw open wide the door of your heart today, and let Him come in. Don't put it off another moment. His return for His own is very soon. Those who have shut Him out will know His wrath. Let Him in. You, too, will experience the unspeakable joy of knowing Him. Then, you will know what George Frederick Handel meant by the words of that glorious carol, "Joy to the World."
With His joy,
Betty Seiley
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