by Kerstin Harker, Children's Ministry Associate - Nursery

After observing a recent rehearsal of our children’s ministry worship team, TurnItUp, I was challenged to truly think about the lyrics of carols that have been on repeat during the many Christmas seasons of my youth and adulthood. 

As the kids energetically raised their hands to share a favorite word or line to help their friends better understand the chorus, I thought of how many times I have sung or even worshiped on “autopilot” without a second thought as to what the lyrics were conveying.

Joy to the world, 

The Lord has come, 

So I went back to the basics, the dictionary definition of the word JOY: A source or cause of delight.

What is that “source” to which this oft repeated refrain refers? Jesus, sent to earth to be my Savior and Lord.  

Every ounce of my being should be overflowing with JOY of that knowledge but I admit that so many times, it’s not.  My mind can be distracted by my shopping list and our crowded family calendar.  

Even more the song goes on to proclaim:

Let earth receive her King, 

Let every heart prepare Him room…

These third and fourth lines challenge me to not only personally prepare my heart to receive him but to encourage others in that preparation as well. 

During this Advent season, I am seeking to  prepare my heart to celebrate His birth, to gratefully receive all that He has for me, and to lead others to make room for Him. 

This Christmas, when I sing Joy to the World, it won’t be on autopilot–it will be an outpouring of JOY to the King.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.”  Psalm 98:4 NIV