Joy to the World

Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing. - Psalm 98:4 (CSB)

One day, every voice will join heaven and nature in singing that great hymn of Christmas, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”

While often sung at Christmas, this hymn is based on Psalm 98. It is a triumphant song of victory, celebrating not only God’s past deliverance but also His future reign. This psalm points beyond the manger to the throne, reminding us that because of Christ’s first coming, we can joyfully anticipate His Second Coming.

The psalmist calls all creation to praise God for His salvation (vv. 1–3). Christ’s victory at the cross secures the ultimate triumph over sin and death (1 Cor. 15:54–57). His kingdom (vv. 4–6) is not of this world (John 18:36), yet the redeemed proclaim His reign with joyful praise. Finally, His coming (vv. 7–9) will bring perfect justice and righteousness once and for all time.

Just as we count the days before a big event, may we also long for His return. Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”