The famous Christmas carol “Joy to the World” was written by prolific hymn writer Isaac Watts and first published in 1719. Though now strongly associated with Christmas, it was not originally intended as an advent or Christmas hymn. Instead, Watts drew inspiration directly from Psalm 98 in the Bible, which proclaims joy and praise to God for coming to “judge the earth in righteousness” (Psalm 98:9).
The psalm calls all the earth to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 98:4, KJV), a refrain captured in the opening line, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” This coming described is not Christ’s first advent as a babe in Bethlehem but his eventual second coming as a conquering King and righteous judge. Yet, in the fullness of time, his birth is inextricably linked to his conquering rule. Bethlehem lays the foundation for the triumph of Calvary and the final victory to come.
As Watts imagined Christ’s return, he pictured nature itself joining in the chorus of praise: “Let earth receive her King” and “let every heart prepare him room.” Not only so, but all of creation will be set right, restored from the brokenness brought through the Fall: “No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground.” Truly, “he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” What beautiful imagery of paradise regained!
Though this carol was not originally an advent hymn, its jubilant refrains nevertheless fill our hearts with awe and joy during the Christmas season as we celebrate our Savior’s birth. This babe in the manger came to conquer sin and death forever “to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” Joy indeed has dawned upon the world!
Josh Cehulik 