From Isaiah 35:10:  “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Facing constant waves

Overwhelming despair

Father seeking to save

Eternal grace cares

 

Bethlehem manger

Looking beyond today

Savior, joy’s game changer

Mercy’s light conveys

 

Hope breathes, Son of Man

King of Kings, Prince of Peace

God opens His divine plan

Joy’s new centerpiece

 

Angels’ choir deploys

Always singing above

Reflections full of joy

Peace filling with love

 

Scaling highest slopes

Locating lasting peace

Rebuilding life’s new hope

Joy shall never cease

 

Peace restored, anew

Joy’s steady, beating drum

Tomorrow’s hope accrues

Salvation to come

 

With lyrics composed by renowned English hymn writer, Issac Watts, “Joy to the World” has become the most published Christmas hymn in North America.  These verses were penned in 1719, and they share an interpretation from Psalm 98.  In this Advent season, the hymn holds a special place with its emphasis on the joy we have been patiently waiting for.