“Far as the Curse Is Found”

Dear CrossPointe,

Doug Duncan pointed out at a recent elder meeting how theologically rich so many traditional Christmas hymns are. It’s a shame we tend to sing them one month out of the year! While I can think of several that I love to sing, one has stood out to me more and more over the years. “Joy to the World” isn’t exactly a “deep track,” but somewhere in the third verse is this line: “He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” I’d say for most of my life I have heard those words and focused on the first part about blessings, but lately I feel the weight of the second half. As I consider the world outside me and the heart within me, I see the effects of the Fall—the curse—everywhere, and I think Christians are right to mourn the state of things (“Blessed are those who mourn,” Matthew 5:4). But this is why I love that line in “Joy to the World.” As far as the curse is found (and can’t you see it in a million places?) Christ has come to make his blessings flow. I need to hear this more than once every 12 months.

So this Sunday I want us to consider the Fall and the curse so that we can better appreciate the blessing that is ours in Christ. My goal isn't to convince you that the world is broken but to consider why and how this brokenness came about in the first place. To that end, we’ll look at Genesis 3 and Romans 8 and see where the Lord takes us. I hope you’ll read ahead in Genesis 3 especially. It’s quite a familiar story but one that rewards meditation.

As we rejoice in the Gospel this Sunday, we’ll also have the opportunity to witness a brother’s baptism in addition to the dedication of several children with which the Lord has blessed our church family. I look forward to seeing you all!

In Christ,

Robert