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Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,

And heav’n and nature sing . . .

Many are struggling to find joy this year, even more so than in Christmases past. Malls are empty, parties are cancelled, and churches have limited opportunities to gather for worship. It’s hard to feel joyful when the world looks as dark as a long December night.

But what if darkness is the ideal backdrop for joy?

The Advent season, leading right through Christmas Eve night, encourages us to embrace the dark and quiet—the better to behold the light and joy of Christ’s incarnation.

A candle isn’t as beautiful amidst a megawatt lights display.

Angels’ glad tidings aren’t as audible above the noise of crowds and commercials.

It’s easier to celebrate when all is well in the world, but joy resounds more triumphantly in the dark quiet of night.

As the familiar carol reminds us, our joy is rooted in the reality of the Incarnation. No matter how dark the night gets, it cannot undo what God has done by coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. It cannot sever, alter, or destroy God’s love for us.

This is a joy that darkness cannot dim, loss cannot remove, and grief cannot crush. In a divine irony, joy can shine most brightly in our trials, even as the Light of the World was born on a dark night in a Roman-ruled village.

On the eve of his crucifixion—what would turn out to be the darkest night of their lives—Jesus offered words of hope and courage to his disciples:

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

John 15:9-12, NLT

You will be filled with joy. Yes, your joy will overflow.

Like the blazing star and echo of angels over Bethlehem, may our joy overcome the darkness and overflow into the world.

Lyrics from “Joy to the World!” by Isaac Watts and George Frideric Handel

Free Download: Printable Christmas Gift Tags

Right-click on the image below to save to your computer. Then print and cut out as many as you need for your Christmas gift-giving this year!