Joy to the World!

The Forgotten Meaning of Christmas

Very few people know that the Christmas hymn favorite “Joy to the World” was not written for Christmas at all.

Isaac Watts wrote “Joy to the World” in imitation of Psalm 98. The psalm is about the Messiah who comes in glory, righteousness, and victory over evil, to judge the world and comfort the faithful. In other words, Watts meant “Joy to the World” as a spiritual reflection on Christ’s soon-to-be, expected, triumphant return to earth. This book explores this theme and other writings of Watts, as a way of preparing our hearts for the wonder and holiness of Christmas morning.