A Hymn of Joy
Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Psalm 98:4
For the third week of Advent, we light the “Joy” candle. This Sunday in the church is known as Gaudete Sunday, meaning “rejoice” in Latin. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”, Phil. 4:4 is a verse sometimes referenced in conjunction with this Sunday.
There’s a wonderful and moving song we sing at Christmas time called Joy to the World. I’m pretty sure you know it and I’m certain it’s one of the songs that is consistently sung during Christmas worship celebrations. When I sing it, it really lifts my spirits and frankly makes me tear a little from the joyous feeling it brings to me. So, I thought I’d investigate the origin of this song and its connection to Christmas.
The authorship of the song is attributed to Isaac Watts who was a 17th century English minister, theologian, and prolific song writer. He’s credited with about 750 songs. Others you may be familiar with; “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Before Joy to the World was written, hymns were most likely psalms (in fact Joy to the World is bases on Psalm 98). With this hymn, The Church of England began allowing writers to flourish. Isaac was also known for writing hymns based on the “Christian experience.”
So, Joy to the World was written in 1719 and as mentioned, based on Psalm 98. I encourage you all to read the entire Psalm and I believe you will connect Joy to the World to it.
Here’s some more insiders’ info on Isaac’s song you probably haven’t considered before. It is a big song for sure for the celebration of Christmas, but interestingly there’s no mention of shepherds, a manger, wise men, angels, or anything we normally associate with the Christmas story. That’s because Isaac didn’t write this as a Christmas song. The original theme of this song is the second coming of Christ. A time that will exceed even the exuberant joy of the birth of Christ. His birth was the beginning of the story and Psalm 98 speaks to the absolute joy of His second coming.
I was hoping to find out when the song was established as a hymn associated with Christmas and could not find any certain information about it. But as we all know the message in the song is easily applied to Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. And in Advent, we are to prepare room for Him in our hearts and lives.
During this Advent week of Joy, do read Psalm 98 with the song in mind and then listen to the hymn. Yes, it indeed applies to the Christmas story, and we should rejoice for sure, but let the lyrics really point you to the reason Jesus came: to save the world. So be ready because He surely is coming again! That will be one unimaginable, world resounding celebration when He appears!
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to praise You and Your Holy Name. It is a great joy to be able to join with all those who love You and sing our praises to You. Help me to look forward to that great day when the world can join together in song at Your heavenly throne. I know that there will be times when I’m lacking a song in my heart, and I ask You to restore me to joy and to be able to pass that joy on to others in their struggles. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.