“The weary world rejoices.” These words from “O Holy Night” are as true today as they were when Jesus was born. There are many people who are weary and carrying heavy burdens on this Christmas Day.
A weary world can rejoice because Immanuel, “God with us,” has come. He is still with us and in us, as we let him, even in this weary world. God’s Word promises he will never leave us and nothing in all his creation can take his love from us. He is near to those who seek him.
A weary world can rejoice because he is our Savior. In his great love for us, “God with us” took on our sin and took it to the Cross, so that “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
A weary world can rejoice because Jesus is also our daily burden-bearer. “Come to me,” Jesus says to each of us, “all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” What an incredible invitation—that “God with us” would walk alongside us, carry our burdens with us, show us the way, teach us as we go, and give us rest for our souls.
Indeed, a weary world rejoices!
MB