The Christmas season is filled with songs that lift our spirits, and few are as beloved as "Joy to the World". It’s a hymn that seems to capture the essence of Christmas, hope, celebration, and the triumph of Jesus’ arrival. But did you know this song is not just about Jesus’ birth? It’s also about His return.

Isaac Watts, often called the father of English hymns, wrote "Joy to the World" not as a Christmas carol but as a reflection on Psalm 98. Psalm 98:4 says, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music."

The psalm celebrates the coming of the Lord to rule and redeem the earth. When Watts wrote, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” he wasn’t just pointing back to the manger in Bethlehem. He was looking forward to the day Jesus will return as King.

That’s the heart of this song. It’s not only about the joy we feel because Jesus came to us in human form but the joy we anticipate when He comes again to make all things new. The hope of Christmas is rooted in a larger story: Jesus didn’t just come to save us; He will return to reign.

As you sing the words this Christmas, let them remind you of both the past and the future. Celebrate the Savior who came to rescue you and look forward with hope to the day He will come again. The joy we have in Christ is unshakable because it isn’t tied to circumstances. It’s tied to Him!

This season, may we live out the joy of knowing Jesus, celebrating His birth and anticipating His return. Let the words of this hymn echo in your heart: “Let every heart prepare Him room”. Have you made space for that joy today?

You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com