Sin isn’t a hot topic at Christmastime, or, for that matter, any other time of year here in 21st century America. I believe that sin is real, and yet I still hesitate to talk about sin, and curses, and sacrificial offerings, and all those other seemingly archaic religious words. But I love this verse of “Joy to the World” because it combines those two aspects of God that are inseparable and yet incongruous: blessings and curses.

Jesus’ ministry involved confrontation. Over and over, he confronted people with their sin (read the Sermon on the Mount for an impossible standard of righteousness, preached by Jesus as the way we must live). And over and over, he comforted people in their need. The one who convicts and comforts. The one who demonstrates our need and provides for us in our neediness. The one who acknowledges the curse, and gives blessing in exchange.

This Christmas, may your blessings flow.