Joy to the World!

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.”—Psalm 98:4 NASB

As he reflected on the lives of Christians in his native England, Isaac Watts felt that something was missing. They may have known about Jesus, but their worship lacked joy. Everything seemed dry and formal. In 1719, hoping to inspire believers, he wrote a hymn that he called “Joy to the World.”

Watts began with a simple declaration: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King.” Many viewed Christmas only as a traditional, worldly holiday. Their lives were not transformed. If Jesus truly had saved them, they needed to shout for joy and share the message with everyone. “Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.”

Christmas is a time to declare the life-changing message that Jesus came to free us from sin and experience more of God’s blessings: “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.”

We can depend on God, for “He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness.” And the “wonders of His love” show how much He cares about us.

This Christmas, don’t give in to worry or doubt. God sent Jesus, so you can have joy! The Lord has come! Everything has changed! Don’t bottle up that joy! Share the Good News with others! Sing praises to His name!

Reflection Question: Whom can you tell about your joy for Christmas this week?