Joy to the World

Joy to the World

In 1719 a Christian pastor named Issac Watts decided to write a series of songs using the Book of Psalms.  His intent was to write hymn lyrics from the psalms from a Christian perspective.  The hymnal was called Psalms of David.  One of our favorite Christmas songs comes from this hymnal:  Joy to the World.  Watts used the text of Psalm 98 as the basis for his hymn.  The hymn was in two parts, though today we sing only the last part, but the first part is also significant.  Jesus is God's plan of salvation to the world and we his people should rejoice and proclaim God's plan is revealed.

Psalm 98:1. First Part.Praise for the gospel.1 To our almighty Maker, God,New honours be address'd;his great salvation shines abroad,And makes the nations blest.2 He spake the word to Abraham first,His truth fulfils the grace:The Gentiles make his Name their trust,And learn his righteousness.3 Let the whole earth his love proclaimWith all her different tongues;And spread the honours of his NameIn melody and songs.Psalm 98:2. Second Part.The Messiah's coming and kingdom.1 Joy to the world; the Lord is come;Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare him room,And heaven and nature sing.2 Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns;Let men their songs employ;While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,Repeat the sounding joy.3 No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make his blessings flowFar as the curse is found.4 He rules the world with truth and grace,And makes the nations proveThe glories of his righteousness,And wonders of his love.