There is a confusing part of the Christmas story. When the angel speaks to the shepherds, he says, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10,11). That last word confuses me. How can the “Lord” cause great joy for all people?

After all, a lord is someone who gets the last word. The one with authority over you. Your boss is your lord. The officer with the radar gun. The politicians who pass the laws you have to obey. Growing up, your parents were your lords. Be honest, did living under all that authority cause you “great joy”? I bet not.

So how is Jesus any different? Answer—He is the Lord of love. He is the King who used all his royal authority to fight for you. Instead of some power trip and pampering (think servants feeding him grapes), Jesus came in shocking humility (think servant Jesus washing feet). The reason we trust, even love, Jesus’ authority is because we know his final word is always meant to bless us.

This is why we’re not foolish to sing, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come.” There is incredible joy knowing the One who gets the final word over death and over anything that would threaten our future is the Lord of everlasting love.