I was fixing coffee for my wife, Jana, and I pulled out a special Christmas cup. It says, “Let Heaven and Nature Sing.” That caused me to start singing (silently, to spare Jana’s ears) the wonderful Christmas carol, “Joy to the world.”

As I hit the start button on the coffee maker, I got to the part that says, “He rules the world” and I stopped.

“Wow,” I thought, “that is a message we all really need to be reminded of at this time – He rules the world.”

Despite pandemics and pain, corruption and chaos, recession, inflation, sickness, loss, heartache, disappointment, or whatever evil may come our way, He still sits on the throne. He still rules. He is still diligently working out His plan for the universe and for each and every one of us, His people.

“He rules the world … with truth and grace.” Are you ready for some truth? Like me, do you need some grace? Would you like to share some truth and grace with those you love this holiday season? Here is a simple way to start. Read the story behind the song. Here is how you can read it chronologically from the gospels. If you have impatient listeners, read only the bold passages.

Have a most blessed Christmas and be at peace.
He rules the world!
_________________

THE BIRTH OF THE SAVIOR

• John 1:1- 5, 14 (Eternal Word made flesh)
• Luke 1:5-25 (Zechariah’s vision)
• Luke 1:26-38-56 (Mary’s vision and trip)
• Matthew 1:18-25 (Joseph’s first dream)
• Luke 2:1-20 (Bethlehem & Shepherds)
• Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi)
• Matthew 2:13-23 (To Egypt and Nazareth)