Let Earth Receive Her King

Written in 1719 by Isaac Watts, Joy to the World, is perhaps one of the most well-known and best-loved Christmas carols. The lyrics highlight the joy that every one of us should feel when we reflect on the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. The coming of the promised Messiah is a good reason for joy. It is a reason for rejoicing both in heaven and on earth. It is a reason for every heart to prepare Him room, to make room to receive Him.

Despite the fact that Mary was with child, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a census being taken by Rome. When they got there, the time came for her to give birth. The child, who would be called Jesus because He was sent to save His people from sin, was ready to come into the world that was created through Him. The Son of God, the Messiah, was about to be born, and Joseph and Mary needed a place, a room, in which she could give birth. But, the King of kings and Lord of lords would be born in a stable because there was no room at the inn (Luke 2:4-7).

The King of kings will one day return. Although none of us knows the day or the hour when it will take place, Jesus will return. When He does, will He find faith on earth (Luke 18:8)? Will earth receive her King? Will there be room in every heart for Him? My prayer this Christmas is that the answer to these questions is a resounding “yes!”