Article December 23, 1985 Issue

"Joy to the world"—just at Christmas?

HELEN R. CONROYD

"Joy to the world," we sing. And then we look around the world and what do we see? Nations at war; marriages ending in divorce; child abuse; "free love" (free?); kidnappings and bombings. And more—"natural" catastrophes: hurricanes; earthquakes; floods; volcanoes; drought; famine—and on and on. We may be sorely tempted to believe that joy is mostly something we sing about. At Christmastime.

Not so! The Psalmist says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Ps. 30:5. And when is morning? The answer on the tip of your tongue may be "When you wake up." That's not an unrealistic answer if you also ask, "Wake up to what?"

Now, obviously this article is not going to deal with just the ordinary sense of joy. The Bible and the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, have something more to tell us about joy. In the Glossary of the textbook on page 591 morning is explained in its spiritual meaning. The definition reads: "Morning. Light; symbol of Truth; revelation and progress." In relation to joy, we might add that morning, in its spiritual sense, awakens us to the genuine Christmas joy—the Christ joy. And again, not just at Christmastime, but rather throughout and beyond time—without beginning and without end.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The gift of gifts
December 23, 1985
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit