The Joy of His Return
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4
What’s your favorite Christmas song? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe it’s “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Or perhaps it’s a classic like “Joy to the World.” Whatever it is, Christmas songs bring joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. But have you ever stopped to think about the story behind “Joy to the World”?
This beloved Christmas carol was actually written by Isaac Watts in 1719, but here’s the surprising part: Watts wasn’t thinking about Christmas at all. In fact, the song wasn’t even originally intended to be a Christmas song. “Joy to the World” is about the second coming of Jesus, not His birth.
When Watts penned these words, he was inspired by the second half of Psalm 98, which speaks of the joy the world will experience when the Lord comes again to judge the earth with righteousness. As he read the psalm, he imagined the earth bursting into song as Christ returned, bringing peace, justice, and joy to all. This powerful image inspired the song we know today.
"Joy to the World" has become one of the most widely sung Christmas carols, even though it doesn’t directly mention the birth of Jesus. But as you sing those familiar words this holiday season, let them remind you not only of the joy of His first coming but also the hope and anticipation of His return. Christ is coming again to reign in truth and grace, and when He does, the whole earth will sing in praise!
As you reflect on the lyrics, think about how you can prepare your heart today, making room for Him to reign in your life. Let the joy of His coming fill your heart, not just at Christmas, but every day as we wait expectantly for His return.
What’s your favorite Christmas song? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe it’s “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Or perhaps it’s a classic like “Joy to the World.” Whatever it is, Christmas songs bring joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. But have you ever stopped to think about the story behind “Joy to the World”?
This beloved Christmas carol was actually written by Isaac Watts in 1719, but here’s the surprising part: Watts wasn’t thinking about Christmas at all. In fact, the song wasn’t even originally intended to be a Christmas song. “Joy to the World” is about the second coming of Jesus, not His birth.
When Watts penned these words, he was inspired by the second half of Psalm 98, which speaks of the joy the world will experience when the Lord comes again to judge the earth with righteousness. As he read the psalm, he imagined the earth bursting into song as Christ returned, bringing peace, justice, and joy to all. This powerful image inspired the song we know today.
"Joy to the World" has become one of the most widely sung Christmas carols, even though it doesn’t directly mention the birth of Jesus. But as you sing those familiar words this holiday season, let them remind you not only of the joy of His first coming but also the hope and anticipation of His return. Christ is coming again to reign in truth and grace, and when He does, the whole earth will sing in praise!
As you reflect on the lyrics, think about how you can prepare your heart today, making room for Him to reign in your life. Let the joy of His coming fill your heart, not just at Christmas, but every day as we wait expectantly for His return.
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