Joy To The World - Psalm 98

Joy to the World is by far the number one, most popular Christmas hymn of all time (hymnary.org). This is no shock, because the birth of baby Jesus has brought Joy to the World!

BUT… did you know Joy to the World was not originally written to be a song - it was a poem! Further, did you know Joy to the World was not even about the birth of Jesus!?? And, one of the most powerful verses of the song, verse 3, “Far as the Curse is Found,” has been all but omitted from modern renditions.

How did this old poem, authored back in 1719, evolve to be the most popular Christian, Christmas song of all time? Listen to find out! ;-)

If you want a hint, read Psalm 98, of which Joy to the World was originally written as a paraphrased poem. 

Our goal, in looking at the joyous roots of this hymn, is to experience an even deeper-rooted source of Jesus’ joy in our hearts and lives this Christmas season and beyond – Growing in Christ to Grow Others, Together!!

Pastor Jake