6 minute read
Facing Forward: Joy to the World
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ( LUKE 2:10–14 NIV)
In a world marked by pain, oppression, hopelessness, sadness, and lack, the angel of the Lord made a bold proclamation: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” This was not just joy; it was GREAT joy! That is the message: “Joy to the world, Jesus has come!” As we go into this Christmas season, I am reminded of my favorite Christmas song, “Joy to the World!” This song is heard all around the world in many languages. This bold proclamation made in Luke 2 by an angel is still being proclaimed today—we have joy, for Jesus has come!
We understand there is a great difference between joy and happiness. I often read surveys and statistics about happiness in society. In fact, many people in our world list “being happy” as the number one goal in life for them and their family. I have found that happiness can often be a fleeting concept. Many times, happiness is based on the events or circumstances of the day. Did I receive bad news about my job today? If so, I’m probably not happy. Did a family member or friend share with me today that they are sick or in pain? If so, I’m unhappy. Did it rain all day today when I had outside work or activities that needed to be completed? This also makes me unhappy. Happiness can slip away so easily.
I asked ChatGPT a question about recent statistics regarding happiness. Here is the response I received:
Recent statistics on happiness provide fascinating insights into how people around the world perceive their well-being. Here’s a summary of some key findings:
1. **Global Trends**:
- According to the Ipsos Global Happiness 2024 report, 71% of people across 30 countries describe themselves as happy. This is an increase from 63% in 2020 but still below the 77% peak observed in 2011. The highest happiness levels were recorded in the Netherlands, with 85% of respondents describing themselves as happy, followed by Mexico at 83%.
2. **Top-Ranked Countries**:
- Finland, Denmark, and Iceland remain among the happiest countries globally, with Finland scoring the highest at 7.7 on the Cantril ladder. These countries benefit from robust social systems, high trust in governance, and strong community support.
- Costa Rica leads in the Americas, emphasizing environmental sustainability and community wellbeing, while Australia and New Zealand show high happiness levels, partly due to robust healthcare and social safety nets.
3. **Challenges in Lower-Ranked Nations**:
- Countries such as Afghanistan (2.4) and Lebanon (3.8) ranked lowest in happiness due to issues like political instability, economic hardship, and ongoing conflict.
4. **Generational Insights**:
- The Ipsos study highlights a generational divide in happiness. Baby Boomers are more likely to feel in control of their lives (76%), compared to 65% of Gen Z. Mental health concerns also tend to be higher among younger generations.
These statistics reflect how happiness is shaped by a combination of personal, economic, and societal factors. We recognize there have been times in our lives where we may not have been happy. However, if we ask ourselves the same questions about JOY, we may receive a different answer. We find that, according to God’s Word, JOY is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, meaning JOY can be implanted in our heart by the Holy Spirit when Christ dwells within us. This JOY is not subject to circumstances or situations that may thwart happiness. The joy that comes by the Holy Spirit, the joy proclaimed by the angel of the Lord, the joy we possess as children of the King of Kings, is great joy found in Jesus Christ alone.
I believe “Joy to the World” is our song for the world. It appears people all over the world are seeking. Many are seeking peace, acceptance, love, confirmation, happiness, stability, and a thousand other things. “Happiness” as something humanity seeks is often just a code word for “all of those other things” realized. This seeking takes us on a journey to fill a Jesus-sized hole in our hearts. We have the great news: Jesus is joy, and his joy supersedes any temporary happiness found in this world.
This Christmas season, let’s proclaim with the Psalmist,
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King. 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. ” (Psalm 98:4-8)
As we sing my favorite Christmas song this year, remember, we are proclaiming the joy that supersedes the temporary happiness found in this life. We are proclaiming joy found only in Jesus and freely available to all those who seek.
1. 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.
2. Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns, Let men their Songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love --Isaac Watts, 1719
