Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Zephaniah 3:14

Ok, first let me start by saying I know it’s Advent and being a good Lutheran, it’s not liturgical to talk about Christmas out of season – but I love Christmas music! I have been listening to it on my radio in the car since before Halloween! I am not ashamed to admit it, so there, I said it! I know I am not alone.

One of my favorite Christmas hymns is “Joy to the World!” It is a hymn I think we could sing all year long! Why not? It’s full of joy.

In researching my topic for this devotion, another version of “Joy to the World!” came up in my Google search. You’re probably familiar with it.  In fact, I bet you are already thinking of the tune. This version speaks of Jeremiah being a bullfrog and being a good friend. I get irritated when I talk about singing the hymn and someone breaks into song with this version.

So what does this have to do with Advent? The text from Zephaniah implores us to sing loud, shout and rejoice. According to one interpretation of the lyrics, the writing was referring to Jeremiah the prophet uniting God’s people. The bullfrog, being the voice of God, has a very distinctive sound that stands out in nature. Ok, I can get behind that! Seems joyful to me.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! – Psalm 34:3

Prayer:  Lord, during this Advent season we look forward to the joy that is to come through your Son. We pray that we may always rejoice and be joyful.  Amen!

Contributed by Tom Johnson