Day 3 — Joy to the World

The beloved Christmas song “Joy to the World,” was originally written as a poem in 1719 by English hymn writer Isaac Watts. He wrote the words based on an adaptation of Psalm 98 to reference the New Testament work of Jesus. 

It was never meant to be a Christmas song, but a century after it was written, a Boston music teacher, Lowell Mason, discovered the poem and set it to music. It quickly became a favorite of the Christmas season and went on to become the most published Christmas carol in America!

As you listen, you’ll likely be able to sing the following lyrics from memory:

Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

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.

As you’re knee-deep in Christmas planning and activities, take time find joy in and celebrate your salvation in Jesus. Here are some ideas to help you prepare room for Him in your heart and keep Him at the center of your celebration:

1. Take Time to Be Still. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to stop the hustle and bustle of life at times to take in His presence and rest in His peace. Early in the morning—before phones buzz, dogs ask to be walked or errands beckon—is a precious opportunity for uninterrupted time to be still and know that He is God.

2. Make Room for His Life-Giving Word. Advertising, social demands and world events can begin to scramble what we once felt certain of. That’s why it is so important that we make room for God’s Word during busy seasons. His Word is truth (John 17:17), and that truth will unscramble the chaos, and make the crooked places straight and the rough places smooth in our lives (Isaiah 40:4).

3. Remember All He Has Done. Christmas isn’t just a birthday to celebrate—it is our total and complete victory as Christians! Make room for Him this season by remembering not only His birth but all He has done. He is not only our Savior, but our Healer, Deliverer, Counselor, Comforter, Provider and so much more. He is our VICTORY!

As you prepare Him room in your heart this Christmas, let your joy overflow in the same way as those who witnessed His birth—knowing He came to give you a life more abundant, a hope and a purpose. Celebrate the joy He brings to your world every day!