Dec
11
2011
It’s the third Sunday in Advent and since the theme for this Sunday is joy we sang “Joy to the World!” at church this morning. This has to be one of the most familiar and popular of all Christmas hymns. I have enjoyed singing this song since my childhood. Even as a kid I particularly liked the part that says, “let heaven and nature sing.” What I didn’t realize back then is that the idea of heaven and nature singing comes straight out of the Bible.
Few people seem to know that the background for Isaac Watts’ famous carol is Psalm 98. In verse 4 of this Psalm we read, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” This, of course, is where the title for “Joy to the World!” comes from. But what about “heaven and nature” singing? That comes later. In the last three verses the Psalmist declares: “Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.” Here we see that the sea, along with all the creatures that inhabit it; the world, along with all of its inhabitants; and also the rivers and mountains are called to sing a joyful song unto the coming Lord.
The Bible teaches us that God created the world and us for His glory. It only makes sense then that all of Creation should join together in singing God’s praise. And there is certainly no better time to lift our voices with the rest of Creation than during this season when we pause to remember that “God so loved the world He gave His only Son.” (John 3:16) We may not understand how, or even accept that it is true, but nature does, in fact, offer praise to its Maker. If we are wise, we will do the same. And if we truly realize what’s going on it will be a joyful song we sing. So let’s not rest content with just heaven and nature singing, let’s all do our part as well!
–Chuck
(The top image was taken at Cape Elizabeth in Maine. The middle image was taken in Big South Fork N.R.R.A. in Kentucky. The bottom image was taken in Kings Canyon N.P. in California.)
no comments | tags: Advent, Christmas, Issac Watts, John 3:16, Joy to the World!, Psalm 98 | posted in Bible verses, Hymns, Nature photography, Spirituality
Dec
13
2009
Today is the third Sunday in Advent and the theme for this particular Sunday each year is joy. If one will pause to reflect on the meaning of this special season he or she cannot help but experience joy. It truly is amazing that the One who created the world became part of it as a vulnerable little baby. John 1:14 says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” A few verses earlier the Gospel writer says “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (v. 3)
I think a lot of people fail to understand that at Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Creator of the world. Speaking of Jesus the apostle Paul said, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created…” (Colossians 1:15-16)
I realize that during this season we usually focus on how God sent His Son into the world to provide for our salvation but we should also note the amazing fact that in that Bethlehem stable the Creator became a part of the world He created. One of the implications of this for me is that because of the Incarnation we stand on “hallowed ground.” The world is not just “good” as the author of Genesis reminds us; it is holy too.
One of the most popular Christmas carols is “Joy to the World.” The song indicates that because Jesus came there is cause to rejoice. In fact, the song exhorts “heaven and nature” to sing for joy at Christ’s coming. During my trip this past week to southern Utah there were many times I felt like singing God’s praises for the gift of His Son. There were even times when I looked at the incredible beauty of Christ’s Creation that it seemed like nature was ready to sing too. And that is only fitting. When we remember that Jesus is both the world’s Creator and Savior, why shouldn’t “heaven and nature sing”?
–Chuck
(The pictures above were taken this past week at Bryce Canyon National Park.)
no comments | tags: Advent, Bryce Canyon National Park, Christmas, Colossians, Gospel of John, Incarnation, Jesus, Joy to the World!, Utah | posted in Bible verses, Hymns, Nature photography
It’s the third Sunday in Advent and since the theme for this Sunday is joy we sang “Joy to the World!” at church this morning. This has to be one of the most familiar and popular of all Christmas hymns. I have enjoyed singing this song since my childhood. Even as a kid I particularly liked the part that says, “let heaven and nature sing.” What I didn’t realize back then is that the idea of heaven and nature singing comes straight out of the Bible.
Few people seem to know that the background for Isaac Watts’ famous carol is Psalm 98. In verse 4 of this Psalm we read, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” This, of course, is where the title for “Joy to the World!” comes from. But what about “heaven and nature” singing? That comes later. In the last three verses the Psalmist declares: “Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.” Here we see that the sea, along with all the creatures that inhabit it; the world, along with all of its inhabitants; and also the rivers and mountains are called to sing a joyful song unto the coming Lord.
The Bible teaches us that God created the world and us for His glory. It only makes sense then that all of Creation should join together in singing God’s praise. And there is certainly no better time to lift our voices with the rest of Creation than during this season when we pause to remember that “God so loved the world He gave His only Son.” (John 3:16) We may not understand how, or even accept that it is true, but nature does, in fact, offer praise to its Maker. If we are wise, we will do the same. And if we truly realize what’s going on it will be a joyful song we sing. So let’s not rest content with just heaven and nature singing, let’s all do our part as well!