“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

All of creation is called upon to make a joyful noise before God, for the Lord has come to “judge the earth,” and restore His Creation. We should not fail to see our own hand at work in the destruction of creation. This “judgment of the earth” is, in some part, a judgment of us as caretakers.

But God is merciful and full of grace, rather than leave everything in our hands, He gives us the Life-giver (JESUS CHRIST). Christ at His birth brought joy to the world. What then are the goodies of the Joy to the World?

1. Light Overshadows Darkness

In a time of darkness, faithlessness, and hopelessness, Isaiah proclaimed the hope of God's light. Like a mountain wanderer searching for the Brown Mountain lights, people today are searching for God's light. They search for hope amid financial struggle, amid personal despair, and family tragedy. The Light of God delivers that hope in the good news of Jesus Christ. After all, the people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light.

2. Gladness Overtakes Sorrow

God comes in splendor and simplicity in the person of Jesus Christ to take away the sorrow of gloom and the injustice of oppression. Isaiah speaks of a gladness that the apostle Paul in Philippians describes as pure joy. This gladness does two things. It brightens a dim spirit and secondly creates a spirit of Jubilee.

3. Victory Overwhelms Defeat

The light and hope of Jesus provide a recipe for transformation and victory. The victory over sickness, victory over shame, and in all spheres of life. Jesus Christ yearns for God's people to return wholeheartedly to him. Do you have that victory? Will you declare and share that victory with others? Scripture says in 1 John 5:4-5 ‘‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.”

I pray we all be there to be partakers and not caretakers anymore.