December 29

Joy to the World

by Fred Rodgers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqxMvvptf9I

Joy to the World, the Lord is come! The words and melody of this beloved song stir our hearts and instantly transport us to Christmastime. Did you know its author, Isaac Watts, never intended this to be a Christmas song? In 1719, Watts published a book of poems based on the Psalms. Joy To The World was inspired by Psalm 98. Watts interpreted the psalm as a celebration of Jesus’ second coming, when He will reign as King.

It remained a poem for over 100 years when Lowell Mason set it to music with an arrangement using Handel’s tune “Antioch”. Because the song was published during the holidays, it quickly became a Christmas favorite. Isaac Watts never knew his poem had become one of the most recognizable and beloved Christmas songs of all time.  

To me, the words and music are the perfect combination of Joy.  It’s the natural joy of a new-born baby, multiplied by who the baby is - our Savior, Jesus Christ. The joy is multiplied again by all Jesus has done for us, then maximized by the promise of His return. I love how the Holy Spirit orchestrated all of this!  As we sing Joy To The World this year, let the Joy ring out from your heart through your voice.  Let us rejoice in Jesus' birth and let us celebrate His return!