The song “Joy to the World” is known by thousands and is one of the most famous Christmas songs to date. Churches all over the world will be singing this song during Christmas whether they hold to a traditional or contemporary form of worship. However, the name Isaac Watts may not ring a bell for most people reading this article. Nevertheless this man has captured the joy that is to be had as people meditate upon their King this Christmas.
The man behind the music
Isaac Watts is responsible for the famous Christmas hymn “Joy to the World.” He lived during the 1600s and 1700s in England. From an early age, Watts was recognized by his family as being a great poet. He also enjoyed teaching. Later, this love for poetry and teaching would be fine-tuned as Watts entered into the ministry as a pastor and became one of the most prolific songwriters Christianity has ever known.
During his lifetime, his songs were not quickly accepted by the community at large. Some denominations and churches would not sing them during their services because they were used to singing the Psalms. For groups such as these, singing Watts’ hymns when they would gather outside of church was a real treat and often looked forward to.
Watts’ heart was clearly on display in his songs. In “At the Cross,” he talks of the way that his burden was lifted when he saw Jesus. In “When I Survey,” he talks about the way that nothing he could give back to Christ could match what Christ gave to him. In “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” Watts captures God’s power and might in a poetic masterpiece. Finally, in “Joy to the World,” Watts displays the joy that can be had as one properly sees the Savior’s coming.
However, behind this great man was an even greater Man.
The Man behind the man
Jesus’ coming is resounded in “Joy to World.” Jesus’ coming is celebrated during Christmas. Understanding Watts’ joy can be helpful. Behind Watts’ joy was a Man. He is the God-Man. Christ Jesus came, and in His coming He came as King. Throughout “Joy to the World,” various facets of Jesus’ Kingship are on display.
Jesus is Lord and King
In the first stanza, Jesus came as a King, and Jesus came as Lord. Jesus is a good King, and He has no equal. Properly understanding Jesus’ Kingship and looking at it rightly will lead to joy. Humanity could not have asked for a greater king. Humanity could not have asked for a more loving king. Humanity could not have asked for a kinder king. Watts saw this truth, and it led him to praise that was fueled by joy.
Jesus is Savior and King
In the second stanza, Watts continues to praise the coming King Who now reigns on His throne. However, while in the first stanza he declares this King as Lord, in the second he recognizes Him as Savior. Jesus must be both Savior and Lord in the hearts of man. This is where true joy will be found.
Seeing Jesus this Christmas is essential to experiencing joy this Christmas. The Savior has come. He has come to save. He has come to save the lost. He came on a rescue mission for those that are sick. He came on a rescue mission for those who are in a dark place. He came on a rescue mission for those who recognize they need to be rescued and cannot do it themselves.
Jesus came. He came, and in that there is rejoicing. His coming speaks loudly concerning His heart and His mission. Let His coming be an encouragement to you and a reason for rejoicing this Christmas.
Jesus is the sanctifying King
Jesus is for His people, and Watts recognizes that Jesus loves His people so much that He is not content with allowing them to stay where they are at. The third stanza is full of rich content that helps its readers and worshippers to remember that Christ came to deliver the believer from the curse. No more does sin have a stranglehold on the believer. No more does the believer need to bow the knee to sin. No more does the believer need to be dragged around by the enemy.
When Christ came, He came to deliver His people from the curse and the bondage found within. This is reason for great rejoicing this Christmas. Christ has made a way for the believer to be made whole.
Jesus is the grace-filled King
Finally, in the last stanza, Watts could not avoid rejoicing in Christ as his grace-filled King. The grace of God permeates the Scriptures. From Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, the grace of God shines like a light in a dark place. It is seen as a lighthouse amidst dark and treacherous waters. But unlike the lighthouse, it beckons the lost to come and find refuge.
Here you can see Jesus coming as a grace-filled King. This Christmas, let the King of grace into your hearts, thoughts, and minds. In this, joy will flow this Christmas as you begin to see the wonderful work of Christ and the abundant grace that He has for those who have believed in His coming.
Final thoughts
Jesus’ coming is truly a reason for joy. He sought out the lost. He sought out the sick. He sought out the sinner. Let His coming be an encouragement to you this Christmas. He came for you. His love is clearly seen in His coming. His love is clearly seen in Christmas.
Final prayerParagraph
Father, I thank You for sending Your Son to come to the earth. Jesus, I thank You for coming to rescue me. I know I don’t deserve Your love, but it is evident. Help me to experience joy this Christmas and to rejoice in Your coming. You are worthy of my rejoicing. You are worthy of my joy. You are worthy of my praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.