Joy to the World
“Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” —PSALM 98:7-9 (NIV)
Psalm 98 bursts with joy, calling for shouts and song and blaring instruments all celebrating together that God has come. Even the mountains and rivers and seas join in the new song that extols the coming of justice and rescue. A beloved Christmas carol, “Joy to the World” bases its lyrics on this psalm. Isaac Watts wrote this poem in 1719 as an answer to a challenge. He had been complaining to his father that singing the psalms in church didn’t reflect the joy of what Christians knew about Jesus, so his father challenged his son to do something about it. And he did. Watts published a set of poems based on the psalms. His poem was set to music by the German-British composer, George Fredrick Handel, in the familiar tune we still sing today.
Watts’ words burst with confidence, because, as the final verse says of this new King, “he rules the world with truth and grace.” This is what Advent looks toward with excitement—the promise that the world will be restored and everyone in it with God’s truth and grace at the helm. Now that’s something to look forward to.
REFLECT
1. Think of young Isaac Watts writing poems in response to his father’s challenge. In essence, his dad told him, “Well, if you don’t like church, improve it!” How would you respond to Papa Watts’ challenge? Can you think of a way to make your experience of church or community or Advent more meaningful? What’s stopping you?
2. While Advent acknowledges the weary hearts who have long-waited for their Savior, Advent also embodies a kind of excited anticipation. The kind felt by kids (or adults!) on Christmas morning eager to peek under the tree. Which of those realities feels more true to you today? How can you make room for both this season?
RESPOND
Advent is the season of looking for signs of good things to come. Take time today to do some noticing. Let yourself hum “Joy to the World” when you see the first lovely bit of hope.
A Blessing for Opening to Grace and Truth
Jesus, bless the hearts we have, for we are troubled by many things.
Hearts that are hard like flint, or melting like wax at the way things are in the world.
Bless these troubled, flinty, melty hearts.
We open them to you.
Jesus, there’s freedom in this, in realizing that you are there at the very center of things.
Holding our trouble and our fears and also our joy and excitement.
You are there, hands cupped around our contradictions.
You are the home we always wanted.
For your truth is unfailingly gracious, and your grace is unfailingly true.
Come, Lord Jesus.
GOING DEEPER
Listen to Kate speak with actor Stanley Tucci about his love for gathering people around the table—and what better time than Christmas for thinking about connecting with others this way. Watch this clip from their conversation, “Simple Pleasures. Small Joys” (38 minutes).
Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was one of the most prolific hymn writers in the English language. As a nonconformist (which is to say, non-Anglican Protestant) pastor and teacher, he promoted the idea of using new poetry, not just Biblical psalms, as texts for hymns. Among the 750 songs credited to him are “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun,” and, that Christmas favorite, “Joy to the World,” based on Psalm 98.