Joy to the World

Thursday, December 18, 2013
"Joy to the World"

And no, I did not choose this song because it expresses my feelings at the last full day of school before Christmas break.  At least not consciously.  Besides, tomorrow is the day to get excited about.  Or perhaps the day after I finish planning the first couple weeks of the very cheery Holocaust unit my class begins in January.

I love the "Let every heart prepare him room" line.  Make way in our hearts, in our lives, for Him to take up residence.  I'm reading back through Little Women, and that's what it constantly preaches -- make time and room in your life and your heart to listen for the grace of God.  To notice Beth, the angel among you; to find a light in Aunt March's house; to realize that you are better off than the poor German family with all their many babies spilling out everywhere.

I admit, however, that I have no idea what the third verse means:

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glorious of His righteousness
And wonders of His love.

He makes the nations prove His righteousness and love.  He...makes them be worthy of it?  Makes them give witness to it?  He...shows His glory through them?

I'm lost.

Sometimes writing these posts, it becomes clearer the more I write about my confusion -- or, at least, I end up with a thematic comment about my confusion, but I'm not feeling much inspiration about it on the way.  My mind is occupied with plans and excitement about the coming break and Christmas.

I suppose I need to make room in my heart for God's answer.