Joy To The World
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” – Luke 2:10-12
Consider the story of one young man. Always sick as a baby, he remained frail and delicate all his days. Later, as a pastor, his illnesses were so severe that he could not serve his growing congregation. Instead, he wrote them letters filled with hope and good cheer. Even though his body was frail his spirit soared. He complained once about the harsh and uncouth hymn texts of his day. His father challenged him to write a better one. He did. He wrote over 750 hymns, mostly hymns of praise. When his health finally broke in 1748 he left one of the most remarkable collections of hymns that the world has ever known.
His name? Isaac Watts.
What was his contribution to the Christmas season? Probably the most sung of all the Christmas hymns, “Joy to the World; the Lord is come.”
Could Isaac Watts have written so, if his life had been easy? No one knows. It is amazing, though, how often people who struggle through life have souls with both depth and height.
There is a joy to every heart that receives Jesus as Lord. Give praise to the Lord for coming to the earth to save you.
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.” – Isaac Watts
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’” – Luke 2:13-14