Joy to the World

During the hustle and bustle of Christmas, a song has stood the test of time. Most Mamas will hear and sing this hymn at some point during Christmas. People, including the young and the old, will belt out every word, on or off key. This song is no other than “Joy to the World.”

 Brief History

The poem behind the song was initially written in 1719 by hymn writer Isaac Watts. As a young boy, Watts became dissatisfied with the non-engaging hymns sung in church. His father challenged him to do something about it, so he started writing poems which turned him into a gifted hymn writer. Watts’ poems spotlighted the works of Jesus in correlation to the Psalms. He compiled a book of his poems titled, “The Psalms of David.” His most famous poem focused on Psalm 98. The poem never intended to become a Christmas carol. In 1836, Lowell Mason found this poem published in Watts’ book and composed a musical score, and “Joy to the World” was born.

The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom- Based on Psalm 98
Joy to the world! the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love.

Isaac Watts-1719

Today’s World

Mama, today Jesus rules the world with truth and grace, just like he has from His beginning. The Savior reigns, and he offers grace. Don’t let sins or sorrows grow; allow his blessings to flow. Remember, there is joy in this world that the Lord came to us as a baby so long ago. Be free this Christmas with the wonders of his love, and sing “Joy to the World” with new meaning as these words sink into your heart.

Psalm 98:4-9- “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the Earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn-shout for joy before the Lord, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.”

https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/learn-the-story-behind-joy-to-the-world

The Story Behind "Joy To The World" | PraiseCharts

*Thanks, Alicia, for worship and the inspiration behind this blog post!