Is "Joy to the World" a Christmas Song?

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There's no denying that Joy to the World written by Isaac Watts is one of the most famous Christmas songs ever.

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In fact it has the distinction of being the most published song in the 20th century. The funny thing is it's actually not a

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Christmas hymn. Watts wasn't writing about the first coming of Christ. He was writing about his second coming. The lyrics to Joy to the

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World were inspired by Psalm 98 where David praises the Lord as our Savior, King, and Judge. Make a joyful noise to the

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Lord all the earth. Break forth into joyous song and sing praises. In other words, let heaven and nature sing.

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The psalm goes on to say he will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity. Compare that with the fourth verse of Watts' hymn.

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He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love.

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Now just because the song is about Christ's second coming that doesn't mean it should be disqualified as a Christmas hymn. Remember Christmas is the season of Advent, a word that means the arrival of an important person or event.

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We continue to celebrate Christ's first Advent because it fills us with hope for the second Advent. Just as God fulfilled his promise of a coming

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Messiah foretold all throughout the Old Testament, so we know that God is faithful to fulfill his promises for the future.

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Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. For those who are in Christ it will be a day of great joy.

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For those who are not in Christ it's prophesied to be a day of darkness and gloom. Only those who are in Christ will be saved.

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Be on the side singing joy to the world, the Lord has come. Looking forward to his promised return when we understand the text.