by Kala Loptien

Full Joy in Jesus

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These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11 English Standard Version

Here we are, post-advent and Christmas, heading towards the season of Epiphany, with sounds of joy on repeat. I love hearing our Sunday School children belt out “Joy to the World” with all their heart and soul. The chorus hits and suddenly we hear heaven and nature sing.

I sat down at the piano to noodle a bit with some Christmas carols and hymns. I could hear my daughter in the other room, making her joyful noise to the Lord. I noticed the brief history listed above the song (which I always enjoy reading). Isaac Watts was a young man who felt the hymns in church were lacking a certain something. His dad, being a minister, encouraged him to come up with better ones. So he did. He wrote the lyrics to hundreds of songs. “Joy to the World” is from his collection called Psalms of David, Imitated.*

How fitting that these words were penned by a youngster whose mission it was to create poetry that would adequately express the wonders of His love. In John 15, Jesus teaches us about the True Vine. He emboldens us to abide in His love–to remain steadfast in our faith and calling as His own redeemed children. He reminds us that we share in the fullness of His joy. We know this is not a worldly, man-made emotion. There are a number of frauds and phonies out there, promising more and better paths to satisfaction. These promises are null and void. They come up short. But God’s word never returns empty. It always accomplishes and achieves the purpose for which He intends (Isaiah 55:11). Joy in its purest form, and contentment in its most genuine state, come from one source alone.

May the “glories of His righteousness” continue to fill us with wonder, anchor our hope and set our hearts ablaze with pure joy. Amen.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

*World’s Greatest Christmas Songs, Alfred Music