The most widely published Christmas hymn in North America, “Joy to the World,” flowed from the pen of Isaac Watts, a British pastor who grew up in a Christian family in England.
“Joy to the World” is Watt’s rendition of Psalm 98: “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises…. For He is coming to judge the earth” (verses 4, 9).
This passage emphasizes Christ’s reign when our Lord will subdue nations, judge the earth, and reveal His righteousness in the sight of humanity. But the opening, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come,” sounded so Christmas-like it became a carol.
Think on the words, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” That first Christmas, many people made room for Jesus. Mary made room to physically carry the Savior.
Joseph made room in his heart and lifestyle to care for the newborn. The Magi made room in their schedules to travel to Bethlehem. Are you making room for Jesus Christ? Do you repeat the sounding joy of our salvation?
In the chaos of life and the busyness of the holiday season, it can be easy to lose joy. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, lost joy. For almost a year, he lived without the joy of his salvation — possibly described in Psalm 32.
The Call to Rejoice: Biblical Emphasis on Joy
In Psalm 51, David makes a heartfelt prayer of confession to God. And in verse 12, we have his request for what he had lost: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” We may lose joy from time to time, and we may fear much in life, but the Good News of Christ can alleviate every worry.
In Luke 2:10, the angel’s words, “I bring you good tidings of great joy,” contain the Greek word for evangelism — the announcing of good news. The shepherds were no doubt anxious when the angel of the Lord appeared.
But they were soon put at ease by the angel’s words. Dread and fear were replaced by “great joy” at the announcement of the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. And that is true of us as well.
Celebrating the Incarnation: Joy in God with Us
This Christmas, let the reminder of Christ’s birth and life be a source of great joy for you. Contemplate the incredible joy of the Incarnation — God’s entry into humanity.
Let that be the dominant focus of your thoughts and the primary force in your life. True joy to the world has come!
A portion of this article is an excerpt from Season of Joy by David Jeremiah.
For further reading:
David Jeremiah Discusses the Peace of Advent in an Unstable World
Advent Candle of Hope: Here’s What Really Matters This Holiday Season
Advent Week 3 - the Candle of Joy
5 Things Christians Should Know about Advent
Advent Wreath Prayers for Lighting the Candles
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