As of the late 20th century, “Joy to the World” was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America. Author Isaac Watts (1674 –1748) based the song on Scripture.
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Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4 King James Version
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let ev’ry 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.
(Note: It says “The Lord IS come,” not HAS come. Emmanuel, God IS with Us.)
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… cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; Genesis 3:17b-18 KJV
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,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
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But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. Psalm 9:7-8 KJV
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.
But wait! Thorns still grow, joy is scarce, and earth has definitely not received her King. What’s going on?
Would it surprise you to learn that this Carol isn’t about Christmas at all? “Joy to the World” celebrates, in anticipation, Christ’s triumphant Second Coming.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13 KJV
Certainly there is hope in looking back toward Christmas, but the fulfillment of all Hope lies ahead.
… I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3b KJV
Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20b KJV
Isn’t that what we’re asking when we pray:
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 KJV
But until then: Let every heart prepare Him room!
