Reflection: “Joy To The World”
This classic Christmas carol was actually birthed from Psalm 98. The poet had no intention of making this a carol for Christmas, but over time, it has turned into one of the greatest Christmas carols of all time. It’s one of my favourites too.
It was written to bring joy to the people, to you and your family. It depicts a time when sin will be no more and all believers from around the world will be in God’s presence, seated at his table. In this day and age, when things feel so out of our control, we can rest assured that God is still in control and one day, sin will be no more. Christ will fulfil what he came to do — to seek and save the lost.
Why not make Christ your anchor this Christmas, holding onto the hope, promise and the love that he gives.
“Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy…
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…
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love…”
“Joy to the World”, lyrics by Isaac Watts, 1719
Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, that you humbly came to earth, born of the Virgin Mary. Your presence not only brought joy 2,000 years ago but continues to bring great joy to all those who believe, trust and rely on you today. You bring great joy to a world that so desperately needs it. Amen.