Joy to the World

Pastor: Jeff Love

Introduction: A Carol That Changed Worship

Most of us have sung Joy to the World since we were kids — but have you ever wondered how it became the most published Christmas carol of all time?

It began with Sir Isaac Watts, who grew up in the early 1700s when churches sang only Psalms. The music of his day was monotone, emotionless, and — to his teenage frustration — boring. When he complained to his father, he was told:

“If you don’t like it, do something about it.”

And he did.

Watts went on to write over 750 hymns, including When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. In 1719 he published a book titled The Psalms of David Imitated, paraphrasing Psalms through the lens of Jesus revealed in the New Testament.

Joy to the World was his poetic adaptation of Psalm 98, reflecting both Christ’s first coming and His future return. Over a century later, in 1836, Lowell Mason added the melody we know today — and the carol exploded across American churches.

So as we enter the Christmas season and sing, “Let heaven and nature sing,” it’s fitting to revisit Psalm 98 — a psalm overflowing with praise, celebration, and gratitude.

1. Worship Should Be Expressive and Joyful

Psalm 98 opens with an invitation:

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.” (v.1)

There is nothing wrong with the old songs — they are our heritage — but God keeps doing new things in our lives, and fresh praise naturally flows from fresh blessings.

Take a moment:What marvelous things has God done for you this year?

Life hasn’t always been easy, but God has been faithful. His grace has carried us through joy and sorrow. Some of you are here today because God preserved your life. Others have seen their direction change, their burdens lifted, or their hope renewed.

When we truly remember His goodness, worship becomes expressive — joyful — even emotional.

It’s why the psalm says:

“His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.”

Our gratitude should not be a polite golf clap. God is worthy of full-hearted praise.

2. Worship Looks Back — and Forward

Psalm 98 praises God for His past salvation (v.2), but it also points to His future victory.

• He has conquered death and the grave.

• His righteousness will one day be revealed to every nation.

• Every knee will bow and every tongue confess He is Lord.

Verse 3 anticipates the Second Coming — not a baby in a manger, but a conquering King.

We don’t know everything that awaits, but we have a confident promise:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard… the things which God has prepared.” — 1 Corinthians 2:9

Christmas reminds us not just of what has happened, but what will happen.Joy to the world — the Lord will come again.

3. Worship Should Be Enthusiastic and Involved

Verse 4 commands:

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth!”

To “shout” means to exuberantly and joyfully cry out — not half-hearted, distracted, or passive. Yes, there are times for quiet worship, but there are also times for whole-hearted praise.

Psalm 47:1 echoes the same spirit:

“Clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!”

Worship is a shared experience — Ephesians 5:19 says we speak to one another with songs of praise. You never know who needs your voice, your presence, your enthusiasm.

Imagine heaven’s throne room:Would anyone be wandering in late, getting coffee, or scrolling their phone?No — worship there is unified, joyful, and all-in.

4. Worship Engages Every Gift — Even Instruments

Psalm 98:5–6 speaks of harps, trumpets, and voices raised before the King.

Instruments are not background noise — they are biblical tools of worship.People who have experienced God’s goodness naturally respond with whole-hearted gratitude.

5. Worship Will Be Universal — All Creation Joins In

Verses 7–8 paint a beautiful picture:

• The sea roaring

• Rivers clapping

• Hills singing for joy

One day, creation itself will be freed from the curse of sin and burst into praise (Romans 8:21).

Isaac Watts was right:

“Heaven and nature sing.”

All of creation will worship the Lord.

6. Worship Is Selective — Only God Is Worthy

Verse 9 concludes:

“For He is coming to judge the earth… with righteousness and equity.”

Only the Lord is worthy of our worship — no rival, no question, no contender.

We celebrate at Christmas because:

• His arrival fulfilled centuries of prophecy

• His arrival brought redemption

• His arrival made forgiveness possible

• His arrival guarantees His return

Joy to the world — the Savior reigns.

Closing Thought

Christmas is more than nostalgia or tradition — it is a call to expressive, joyful, wholehearted worship of the One who came, who saves, and who will come again.

Let heaven and nature sing.Let the earth receive her King.Let every heart prepare Him room.