Repeat the Sounding Joy
Commissioner Donna Igleheart
Territorial President of Women’s Ministries
USA Southern Territory
Last evening, as I sat in my favorite chair at home sipping hot chocolate while watching the first of many Hallmark Christmas movies, I was surprised to hear the carol “Joy to the World” featured in the film. “Repeat the sounding joy,” the melody whispered, and I pondered what those words truly mean in our hurried world.
Others
You see, just that morning I had rushed through my usual routine: answering emails, checking lists, attending meetings, planning holiday gatherings, and putting a neat bow on the last
“to-dos” for the final days of 2024. It’s easy to get lost in the noise of the world and neglect the opportunity to “repeat the sounding joy” of Christ in our everyday conversation with others. I’m reminded of our founder William Booth’s enduring Christmas Eve message to his officers. That one-word message of “Others” was more impactful than a lengthy liturgical writing for his tired and weary officers to receive. Stated simply: “Others.”
In our modern world of instant notifications and endless commitments, Booth’s words ring truer than ever: let others be our mission. Let others be our purpose, and let others be our all-consuming passion. Each time we repeat the sounding joy, we’re not just singing words; we are recommitting to this sacred purpose.
A Humble Manger
I think about that humble manger scene and how it stands in stark contrast to our world of digital displays and twinkling light shows. In that simple stable, the breath of Heaven touched earth. The King of kings chose not a palace but a manger, not royal robes but swaddling clothes. When I “repeat the sounding joy,” I am reminded that true joy often comes wrapped in humility.
The amazing truth is that this same Jesus, who entered our world in such modest circumstances, brought with Him the most extravagant gift of all: eternal life. As The Living Bible beautifully states in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world this much: He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” It is this transformative love that we, as an Army of God, are called to share with others.
Free Gift
No matter the trials we face, no matter the burdens we carry, the Christmas message compels us to fix our eyes on the salvation that has been freely offered
to all who believe. Have you opened your hands to receive this gift for yourself? We cannot ignore the reality that this season can often find us longing for peace and desperate for good news. Whatever concerns occupy your heart, may you find true peace by placing your faith in our Savior, Christ the Lord. For truly, it is only through this salvation that you can experience the fullness of joy.
This season, as we gather with loved ones and share precious moments, let’s remember why we repeat the sounding joy. It’s not just a phrase in a beloved carol—it is our testimony to the world. Each act of kindness, each cuddle with a grandchild, each moment spent serving others, and each prayer spoken becomes our partnership with the angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Share the Joy
As I share this, I’m reminded that the most profound messages often come in gentle ways. This Christmas, may we each find our own way to “repeat the sounding joy,” not necessarily in grand gestures, but in faithful hearts turned toward the miracle in the manger. Let us be like those first shepherds who, having seen the Christ child, could not help but share their joy with others. May our lives echo their wonder and their worship as we give ourselves fully to Him and to others. In doing so, we help the world see clearly what Christmas truly means. Together, let us repeat the sounding joy, knowing that each time we do, we celebrate anew the greatest gift ever given: Emmanuel, God with us.
Our Christmas Prayer
Lord, I thank You for coming to earth so You could redeem me. When I think of the extent to which You were willing to go in order to save me, it makes me want to shout, to celebrate, and to cry with thankfulness. You love me so much, and I am so grateful for that love. Without You, I would still be lost and in sin. But because of everything You have done for me, today I am free; my life is blessed; Jesus is my Lord; Heaven is my home; and Satan has no right to control me. I will be eternally thankful to You for everything You did to save me! I pray this in Jesus' name! (Rick Reiner)
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Italy & Greece Territory
Thinking It Through
On this Christmas Day, wherever you are and whatever your circumstance, repeat the sounding joy of the Savior's birth. If you are alone, then you can shout it aloud to the Lord. If you are with others, then you can share it in song with them. But make sure you bring your praise to the Incarnate King who came to bring you salvation.
Notable Quotables
Christmas reminds us that as we are loved of God we can afford to let go of our defensive isolation. - General Frederick Coutts
Now enjoy this beautiful rendition of "Gesu Bambino" by Maggie Beth Phelps with its refrain, "O, Come Let Us Adore Him."
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory