Week 1: The Promise of Joy

by Katie Harding on November 29, 2021

The World. These two words have captured my attention since God impressed them on my heart in 2020. I continually see them throughout scripture and am reminded of their importance every time I think of the angel’s message to the shepherds on the hills outside Bethlehem.

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…”

The angel’s phrase “all the people” refers back to God’s promise to Abraham, that “all families of the earth,” – The World – would be blessed through him, through his Seed – Jesus. The long-awaited Messiah, “the son of David, the son of [and blessing through] Abraham,” was born that night in a stable and laid in a feeding trough.

"To you [all the people] is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Christ came into the world for The World. This was and is good news of great joy!

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Whether or not everybody loves Jesus, Jesus loves everybody. In Him, there is no us and them. Regardless of what others believe or don’t, Jesus came for all people. Every. Single. Person. He came for the man at the grocery store, neighbors next door, the woman at the bus stop, children at the zoo, colleagues in the office, and you and me, too.

He sees the broken, wounded and hurting parts of our lives and comes to replace them with healing, wholeness, and joy in Him. This is what Advent is all about – celebrating the fulfillment of God’s promise in the coming of Christ as He makes His home with us.  

Jesus is the Promise of Joy…to The World.