We'll be glad and rejoice in you. We won't begin the year with sorrow, but with the sweet sounds of joy and celebration. "O come, let us sing to the Lord and make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." We, who are called and faithful, will cast away our griefs and place our confidence in God's name.

While others may grieve, we have the sweetening tree to turn the bitter into joy, and we will praise the Lord. Holy Spirit, our Helper, we, where you dwell, will continually adore and bless Jesus. We've decided: Jesus will remain the crown of our delight; we won't bring sorrow into His presence. As those destined to sing in heaven, let's practice our unending anthem now.

We'll be glad and rejoice: two words, but one meaning, doubling our joy. Is there any limit to our joy in the Lord even now? Don't those blessed by grace find their Lord to be sweet and delightful even now, just as they will in heaven? We'll be glad and rejoice in You.

That last word holds the essence, the richness of the text. What treasures are found in Jesus! What rivers of bliss flow from Him! Since You, sweet Lord Jesus, are with Your people, grant us this year to fully appreciate Your worth. Let January begin with joy in the Lord and December close with gladness in Jesus.