Advent: Embracing Wonder and Waiting in Our WorkSample

JOY

Did you know that Joy to the World was not actually written as a Christmas carol? It was originally published in 1719 by a man named Isaac Watts, who wrote it in midlife when he was 45 years old. Upon discovering his passion for writing hymns, he set out to write one every week for two years. By the end of his life, he had written 750 hymns, including When I Survey the Wonderous Cross.

Joy to the World was part of a large collection called (prepare yourself — it’s a super long title), ThePsalms of David, Imitated in the Language of the New Testament and Applied to the Christian State and Worship. In this collection, Isaac Watts took Biblical Psalms and infused them with language from the New Testament while speaking new, Gospel-laced life into the Psalms that had been sung by the Church for centuries.

His new way of writing hymns that added words to the traditionally sung Psalms was widely dismissed as “unbiblical,” yet Watts remained steadfast in his conviction. He had a passion for connecting the Gospel to all of Scripture and inviting people to a deeper, more complete understanding of God’s love and grace. Reflecting back to our devotional on day 2, you can see that Watts understood his assignment to be an active participant in bringing God’s Kingdom to earth. He didn’t just fall in line with the cultural expectations; He used his unique gifts, desires, and creativity to innovate and contribute beauty to the world.

The rich history of Joy to the World reminds us of our opportunity to use our work to bring value to the world. And the song itself reminds us of the heart of Advent. We have a reason to rejoice! There’s obvious truth to soak in — the birth of Jesus is something to celebrate! Jesus’ coming was long awaited and it means we can be saved!

But there is another invitation at the heart of Jesus’ birth, and it’s the reason for which He came: His love for us.

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that it was “for the joy that was set before Him” that Jesus endured the cross. And what is that joy? You, my friend.

Relationship with you is His joy. He delights in you. Unlike hope and faith, which look forward to a time that will come when they will no longer be needed, joy is abiding. It already is and it will remain forever.

So maybe this Advent season we can look at the call of “joy to the world” from a different perspective. Where we may feel pressure to create, feel or find joy, may we take notice of the endless delight that God enjoys in us. And may we see how that reception of His delight sparks immense joy in us.

Reflect:

1. What is joy? What (or who) is the source of joy?
2. What does joy look like in your work? Give yourself time to connect with the source of joy, rather than working to contrive it yourself.
3. God loves to give us His joy! If you’re lacking, ask Him to restore joy to you.