By Jeff Weinkauf, Creative Arts Pastor
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” If I’m honest, the impact of this magnificent phrase is often lost on me. They are words I sing or see but don’t always absorb completely. Joy has come because Jesus has come; He’s our Redeemer, Savior, even Friend! He is One who stands in my place, takes what is due me, and offers me life instead.
Previous to this gift there was no long term hope. I was at war with God—separated and completely without any chance of working my way out of the hole I was in. No matter my status or position, I could never achieve peace with God on my own.
I don’t know about you, but this is not something I like to consider in these terms. I admit I’m a typical western thinker when it comes to problems: work harder, innovate, look for another angle. I’m trained to think, no—believe, that there is always a way I can solve this if I just keep looking. Although this optimism has served me well, the truth remains: there is just no way to be good enough on my own. If you don’t believe me try living out the 10 commandments….perfectly. For all of us “do it yourselfers,” they are the standard we must achieve. They’re the benchmark which God gave humanity early on and an answer for all of us who would say, “I think I’ve lived a pretty good life.” or “I’m not perfect, but I’m not as bad as THAT guy.”
When we see what it really takes and what God requires, we see that “good enough” just doesn’t get it done. What we have is a binary problem: either you are good enough or you are not good enough. You are perfect and without sin, or you are not.
It’s important that we face it: we are not good enough; no one is. None of us needed any less saving than any other. Try as we might, successful as we may be, when confronted by God’s perfect standard we just don’t measure up. That applies to ALL of us…Everyone...Period.
But—JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!
And—“God demonstrates (present and ongoing) His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We didn’t deserve it, but He came anyway.
This week’s advent candle is the candle of Joy. Friends, if you are part of the family of God you have much to celebrate. You are redeemed: “Ashes for Beauty.” Sure, things can be downright dirty at times, BUT if you are part of God’s family (because of Jesus), you have peace with God. Put that on the scales and weigh it. What can compete? Consider the scripture: “What does it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose their very soul.” (Matt 16:26) Peace with God, ultimately made right in His eyes, is a reason for Joy. Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
