for the whole world
December 22, 2010 (Wednesday)
The Christmas classic, “Joy to the World,” was written by Isaac Watts in 1719. Not written as a Christmas song, it has become the most published carol. It has been recorded by many mainstream artists of the 20th Century.
It is a beloved hymn. The music literally throbs with enthusiastic joy. When it is sung by a group of people, the urges to stand and sing loudly with a big smile are irresistible. This song was made for us to enjoy.
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
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“Joy to the World” is based on Psalm 98. Here are some excerpts from that Psalm (NIV):
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; The LORD has made his salvation known..Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music..shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Let the sea..the world..the rivers ..the mountains ..sing before the LORD..”