Joy In Times Of Lament

We often sing the song, “Joy to the World” at this time of the year. This song has come to be a favorite carol on many Christmas albums, but I’ve noticed something interesting; there is one verse that is often omitted in recordings. It’s the verse that goes:

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,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

I think this verse is removed because it’s not jolly enough. The verse reminds us that although we have hope that God will redeem and restore our world; the work isn’t over yet. In our world, there is still sorrow. We encounter thorns on the journey of life and are impacted by the curse of sin. I always feel a little sad when this verse is left out because without it we forget the real power of joy. Joy does not seek to hide from pain; its strength comes from its ability to emerge from within our pain.

In Finland, there is a tradition on Christmas Eve. They spend the evening visiting the graves of those who have died. For many, the holidays are a time of deep pain. They remind us of those we have lost and hopes that are unfulfilled. I love that the Finnish people have found a way to make grief, lament, loss and sorrow a part of the rhythm of Christmas Christmas. Christmas joy does not mean we have to pretend to feel happy, Christmas reminds us that God chose to join us in our pain and lament.

I pray that this season you might find a deeper joy. A joy rooted in a God who chooses to join us in our brokenness and work to heal our pain and restore our world.

P.S. The scripture is full of lament. Take some time to pray about the pains you have shared. One thing I have found helpful is to tell God how I’m feeling, even if what I’m feeling is anger towards God. God is big enough to take it.