Thought of the Week - 18th December 2024

‘JOY TO THE WORLD’

Words: Isaac Watts

Music: George Frideric Handel; arr Lowell Mason

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, 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, repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love, and wonders of his love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

‘Joy to the World’ was written by English minister and hymnist Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98 and Genesis 3. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts' collection ‘The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian State and Worship’. Watts writes of heaven and earth rejoicing at the coming of the King. He did not write this hymn as a Christmas carol, as the lyrics do not reflect the Virgin birth of Jesus, but rather Christ's Second Coming, but the exuberant joy of the hymn reflects the joy of Christmas, when it is now more commonly sung.

The carol is usually sung to the American composer Lowell Mason's 1848 arrangement of a tune attributed to George Frideric Handel. Since the 20th century, "Joy to the World" has been the most-published Christmas hymn in North America.

The hymn’s uplifting melody and powerful lyrics invite everyone to rejoice, as Jesus offers universal joy and healing to a broken world. The lines “Let every heart prepare Him room” and “He rules the world with truth and grace” remind us that, through Christ, all of creation will be restored.

It calls Christians to open their hearts to Christ’s love, which offers salvation, hope, and peace. This deep, lasting joy is at the core of the Christmas message, far beyond festive traditions and gift-giving.

Christmas, as depicted in this hymn, is a reminder of the everlasting joy found in God’s love. Jesus, the ultimate gift to humanity, brings peace even in times of hardship. The joy of Christmas is rooted in the knowledge that God’s plan of redemption is being fulfilled.

"Joy to the World" encourages us to embrace and spread this joy - not just in song but in our daily lives. It challenges us to show kindness, peace, and goodwill, just as Christ did. Ultimately, the hymn reminds us that joy is not fleeting but eternal, found in Christ, and meant to be shared with the world - not just during the celebration of His birth, but throughout the year.

Luke 1:39-45

Luke 1:46-56

IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK

• God's peace and justice in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan
• peace and stability to return to Syria as a new Government if formed
• the sick, in mind, body or spirit
• the bereaved
• for the children and staff of our parish schools that  they have a restful and enjoyable Christmas holiday
• for key workers on duty over Christmas, keeping us safe and well
• all of the preparations for our Christmas services and events; that Christ will be known and glorified through them, .

Our Next Services