During the Christmas season, phrases of “glory to God” and “peace on earth” remind us of something crucial about joy: true, biblical joy comes from a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As a culture, we often overreact by settling for shallow excitement over trivial things instead of the deep joy that comes from an eternal perspective. This holiday can become more about new Hallmark movies and the first snowfall (if we’re lucky here in NC) than understanding Christmas joy in light of God’s reign and the promise of new creation. If you’re singing and proclaiming “Joy to the World” this season, then I urge you to embrace wholehearted joy. To do this, we must grasp the reason for ultimate joy – the arrival of this rescuing King.
The Reason for Joy
Psalm 98 shows us that the wellspring of joy is God’s salvation and redemptive work on behalf of His people. There is rejoicing over God’s victory and righteousness being revealed. Without Christ’s salvation, we would remain trapped in sin, separated from God. But Jesus came to conquer sin and death, rescue us, and adopt us into His family. Our joy flows from the gospel’s promise that Jesus decisively dealt with evil and is ushering us into His eternal Kingdom. No addiction, brokenness, or loss is stronger than His deliverance.
This mighty rescue mission sparks endless joy and praise in God’s people. The Psalmist invites all creation – the land and sea, hills and rivers – to erupt in praise because God reigns victorious. Just as God has moved on our behalf, we should also shout and sing joyfully in response. Christmas is far more than candy canes and shallow sentimentality; it represents the epic culmination of God’s salvific plan to redeem humankind. Without embracing Christ as the foundation of joy, our celebrations become trivial reactions disconnected from what truly matters. This is where so many of us are during Christmas. We talk and sing the familiar refrain, “Joy to the world!” But what joy are we truly singing of? Are you allowing the faint shimmers of cultural Christmas to overshadow the truth about our Creator? What is the source of your satisfaction this season? If we’re satisfied too easily, we’ll be crushed too easily. If we are prone to sing for joy over things that aren’t worthy, we will be crushed by things that aren’t worthy when they’re taken away from us. Psalm 98 anchors us against such overreactions. It allows us to sit in an abiding joy over a coming king, and it will change the way that we live.
3 Exhortations from Psalm 98
1. Be a People Who Share Joy
God desires worldwide worship and for all people to know His joy. As Psalm 98 proclaims, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Our heartbeat as Christians is spreading the joy we possess so that more people praise God.
As you’re considering food and presents, holiday parties, and travel plans, there may be something else you need to consider. Could God be calling you to take the gospel abroad to people who’ve never heard the truth about the source of your joy? We have access to joy because we have access to the gospel, but the devastating reality is that the gospel is not accessible to billions of people worldwide. As we share our joy, we invite others into the family of God.
2. Be a People Who Make a Joyful Noise
Psalm 98 shows joyful praise is not an option but a mark of obedience. While personal preferences differ, Scripture commands making “a joyful noise” with voices, instruments, and our whole lives. This Christmas, we can sing boldly in light of Christ’s first and second comings, anchoring our joy in His eternal Kingdom. Refusing to praise God musically rejects His clear biblical directive. Instead, Christ’s salvation elicits rejoicing that overflows into worship.
3. Be a People Whose Joy Produces Generosity
In 2 Corinthians 8, an impoverished church overflowed with generosity despite lack because of abundant gospel joy. When we grasp Christ’s deliverance, we echo His selfless sacrifice through giving. As a church, we have Kingdom opportunities in 2024 that require sacrifice and trusting God. In the gospel, the joy Jesus brings sets us free from clutching lesser joys. In turn, we can generously fund His mission. Confident in our rescue, we can let go of lesser things for what matters most – joining Jesus in His redemption plan.
(True) Joy to the World
This Christmas, may we reject shallow excitement that leaves us empty. Insufficient joys will always disappoint compared to the endless promise of Christ’s deliverance. God promises us profound joy that radically changes how we live. When we embrace the rescue Jesus offers, our whole lives erupt in praise and generosity. As Psalm 98:4 states, we will certainly “make a joyful noise to the Lord.” And we will do this in all the earth. We will become messengers of joy, inviting the world into relationship with the King who defeats sin for eternity. This is joy. This is the true joy to the world. Let us celebrate fully this Christmas as we await our coming King.
– Andrew Hopper (Lead Pastor)
