Isaac Watts penned Joy to the World in 1719-although not as a Christmas carol. Three hundred years later, it has become synonymous with our Christmas celebrations. This four week Advent sermon series celebrates one of the most famous Christmas carols, pairing each verse with a grounding scripture. Take your congregation deeper into the rich theology of this enduring song!
Week 1: “The Heart Prepares”
Scripture: Psalm 98 + Matthew 24:36-44
In 1719, Isaac Watts was engaged in writing paraphrases of the Psalms, interweaving them with his own Christian faith. His paraphrase of Psalm 98, Joy to the World, rings with exuberant anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming. Many in your congregation may be less comfortable talking about the Second Coming than remembering the first, but Watts’ joyful lyrics help reorient the disturbing images of Matthew’s gospel. Jesus’ return will not be to watch the world burn but to establish a kingdom of justice and joy. How can we prepare our hearts to find ourselves not threatened but excited by his return?
Week 2: “The Earth Resounds”
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-9 + Romans 8:19-23
The year Watts wrote Joy to the World, the first silk factory opened in England. When Watts wrote about the “fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains” joining creation’s praise, he could not have imagined the rate at which those natural places would be laid waste by pollution and abuse. In Romans, Paul spoke to the groans of creation, waiting for freedom from captive exploitation. Encourage your congregation to consider how Christ came not just for people, but for the whole world that God made and loves so.
Week 3: “The Curse Recedes”
Scripture: Romans 5:6-17
The third verse of Joy to the World is arguably the strangest, often left out of recordings by popular artists. Watts imported it wholesale into his paraphrase of Psalm 98, to clarify for his listeners just what impact the Lord’s coming makes. While the language of sin and curse may fall strangely on some modern ears, this verse offers the opportunity to explore the juxtaposition of the world as we know it and as scripture promises God wants it to be. Paul’s voice in Romans offers a good conversation partner to remind us that sin never has the last word.
Week 4: “The Ruler Loves”
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7+ Luke 1:46-55
When Isaac Watts was born, his father was in prison for daring to “dissent” from the Church of England, because he did not believe in the holiness of the English king. In an act of protest, Watts’ mother nursed him on the prison stairs. Watts inherited his parents’ independent faith, which recognized no ruler but Christ. Both the prophet Isaiah and the prophet Mary give voice to what a true ruler is, one who rules with grace and truth, which was fulfilled in Christ.
Ministry Resources
Joy to the World Liturgy
Joy to the World Graphics (editable Canva templates)
Deep Well Worship 