As his father prayed, little Isaac peeked through his fingers to see what was causing a rustling sound. His eyes spied a mouse crawling up a bell-rope, and Isaac giggled.
After family prayers, Father wanted to know what had possessed his son to be so disrespectful.
“I saw a mouse running up the bell-rope, and it came to my mind:
There was a mouse for want of stairs,
‘Ran up a rope to say his prayers.”
Father was not amused and reached for the rod. Isaac fell to his knees and begged:
“Father, Father, pity take,
And I will no more verses make [1]!”
Neither the little poet Isaac Watts (1674-1748) nor his father could have known where the boy’s penchant for rhymes would take him.
As a late teen, Isaac complained often to his father about the tiresome, chanted hymns of the church. How was a person supposed to sing them with joy as the Bible-psalms often urged, when the music droned in a minor key?
From a 1600’s hymnal
Mr. Watts finally suggested he turn complaining into composing and create better melodies and lyrics. Isaac did, and over the next fifty-plus years more than six hundred of his hymns were published.
Some people found fault with Isaac’s contemporary worship songs. But at least several prominent leaders supported him, including Samuel Johnson, Cotton Mather, and John Wesley [2].
Isaac Watts
Probably the best known of Watts’ hymns is “Joy to the World,” although Watts never set it to music. Decades later Lowell Mason felt inspired to do so and upon publication in 1848, the song soon became a beloved Christmas carol.
Some insist this hymn has no place in the carol-category, because Watts included no elements of the Christmas story in the lyrics.
But as Alyssa Poblete points out: This song celebrates what Christ came to do. And along with looking back at the grace accomplished in the past, we also look forward to the grace accomplished for our future, to the ultimate joy to be revealed [3].
That enlightenment helps explain that puzzling first line, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come” (emphasis added). I’ve often wondered why Watts didn’t choose “has come.”
Ms. Poblete gives us indication. God’s grace (explained in part by the acronym, God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense) is active in all of time—past, present, and future.
Our Messiah’s birth was long-promised for centuries. His coming ushered in a new kingdom of Light. Those who believe in Jesus gain release from the kingdom of darkness, and one day that evil kingdom will be utterly destroyed [4].
In addition:
Christ’s coming is an ever-present and ongoing engagement in the world.
–Darrow L. Miller [5]
The Lord didn’t just come. He is here! And we can sing with dazzling Christmas joy because:
- One day the whole earth will receive her King. Therefore, let heaven and nature sing (v. 1) [6]!
- The Savior reigns forever and ever (v. 2) [7]
- Sins and sorrows will be no more, when Christ returns (v. 3) [8]
- He comes to make his blessings flow (v. 3) [9]
- He rules the world with truth and grace (v. 4) [10]
- The glories of his righteousness and the wonders of his love are on display everywhere (v. 4) [11]
These musicians capture well the dazzling joy of knowing our Savior reigns!
For the reasons listed above and more, Watts invites: “Let every heart prepare him room” (v. 1), and “Let men [all humanity] their songs employ” (v. 1)!
May we be just such people who sing with intention, from a place of authenticity [12].
In fact, take a moment right now if you can, and worship, celebrate, and sing with dazzling Christmas joy!
[1] Betty Dunn, https://www.powerofchange.org/blog/2011/12/16/isaac-watts-joy-to-the-world.html
[2] Erin Tabor, https://www.zmiinternational.org/daily-dose-of-encouragement/joy-to-the-world-the-lord-is-come
[3] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/joy-to-the-world-a classic-christmas-hymn-reconsidered/
[4] Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6; Colossians 1:14; Revelation 20:7-20.
[5] https://disciplenations.org/wp-content/uploads/202004/Music-that-Writes-Culture-Reflections-on-Joy-to-the-World.pdf
[6] Romans 8:19-23; Revelation 22:20; Psalm 96:1-4
[7] Revelation 11:15
[8] Revelation 21:4
[9] Psalm 5:12; 34:10b; 2 Peter 1:3
[10] John 1:14; Colossians 1:16-17
[11] Psalm 33:4; 145:17 31:21
[12] https://passioncitychurch.com/article/joy-to-the-world/
Art & photo credits: http://www.justanotherclaypotblogspot.com 9/10/2008; http://www.boudewijnhuijgens.getarchive.net; http://www.jenikirbyhistory.getarchive.net; http://www.canva.com (2); youtube.com; http://www.pxhere.com and canva.com.
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TT
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Thank you, Michele for your encouragement and for signing up to receive the newsletter. I’ll have to research-and-troubleshoot (which I am NO good at!) why your sign-up may not have worked!
I have the same trouble with tech. It’s great when it works…
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I loved learning about Isaac Watts here today, Nancy. “Joy to the World” has always been one of my Christmas favorites, and I’m certain I’m not alone in this. What a gifted man he was, and what gifts he gave to all of us during his lifetime. Thanks for this beautiful and timely lesson. Blessings!
You’re welcome, Martha. God certainly gifted Watts with the ability to express faith with moving lyrics and stirring melodies. “Joy to the World” is one of those carols that conjures up delightful memories for me, specifically of Christmas Eve services in four different churches, when we closed our worship with candle-lighting and “Silent Night,” followed by “Joy to the World” Such moments provide a taste of euphoric, heavenly joy!
Isaac Watts’ early penchant for rhyme was fascinating and his “Joy to the World” a gift for all generations. Thank you, Nancy, for introducing me to him. 🙂
you do tell delightful stories and how fun to start this story like this. creative too. and full of JOY!!
Thank you, Jean. This hymn of Watts certainly stirs up joy in our hearts, as he names the gifts we receive (and will receive in the future) through Christ!
Nancy, thank you for sharing about Isaac Watts! Just the title and truth of “Joy to the World” gives hope not just at Christmas, but for everyday living. This was a wonderful read, thank you for sharing! I have always loved the words and melody of this song!
So glad you enjoyed the story about Watts, Pam. I’m thinking this carol is worthy of deeper contemplation, line by line. May have to journal through this one!
That is a great idea✨
A wonderful story of a favorite Christmas Hymn!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story, Dwight. “Joy to the World” IS a marvelous and uplifting carol!
Yes!
Wonderful story and beautiful rendition of “Joy to the World.” I was in my sixties before I learned that “Joy to the World” is actually an advent song, not a Christmas carol. I think it is a song for ALL seasons; it is a favorite of mine. Praise be to God!
I agree Linda–we could sing this “carol” all year ’round!
Joy to the World is a great Christmas classic. The lyrics can sing true of Jesus’s first coming of the Nativity and also true of Jesus’s second coming when he returns to earth to reign as King
Exactly, Matt! Watts deftly wove them together.
I love this incredible post and history of Isaac Watts and Joy to the World. You have extended the note beautifully, Nancy!
Thank you for your encouragement, Wynne!
[…] of From The Inside Out shared a post about the history behind the song Joy To The World. After reading her post, it reminded me of a thought I have had about Joy To The […]
Thank you Matt for the pingback! (Is that what it’s called?!😆)
I had never read anything about Isaac Watts, so I loved this! He left us with so many wonderful hymns. Such a wise father he had in teaching him to tranform his into beautiful praise!
I suppose it became annoying that Isaac inserted so many rhymes into conversation! But his father must have been very proud when he put his “gift” to good use for God’s glory.
Amen, Nancy!
What a refreshing and encouraging read this was for me, Nancy! I love your biographies and the insights they give. And especially today the phrase, “…the Lord is come…” He is ever new and present with me today. What a joy! A joy to me and a joy to the world!
I’m so glad you love the biography-posts, Patty. I enjoy researching for them. Praise God he IS ever new and present every single day! And always with his joy that becomes our strength.
It’s interesting to read about the long-ago criticism of the lyrics to “Joy to the World”. My fondest memories of childhood church were when Christmas fell on a Sunday. The service would always start with “Joy to the World” and by the time the congregation reached the final verse the singing really was joyous (and loud!) Also, I never struggled with “… IS come”..Your context makes me realize no other word would be as fitting.
Isn’t it glorious to sing as a congregation with enthusiasm and volume? I’m so thankful that our church sound technicians do not crank up the volume so loud on the instruments and praise team so we cannot hear the voices around us. There’s something powerful about affirming biblical truth with others–in song! / You’re right, Dave–“IS come” are the most fitting words that Watts could have chosen!
Also, the version you included from YouTube is spectacular – thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it, Dave!
Thank you for focusing on the real joy of Christmas. ❤
I can’t imagine celebrating without the CHRIST of Christmas! I know you feel the same, Anna.
What an incredibly gifted man! That he responded to the “dull, repetitive” chanting in church with such wonderfully memorable and theologically specific hymns is inspirational. What a heart for the Lord! There’s something special about hymns of old that spoke truth to tunes, fixing those truths in the minds of those who sang them. Thanks once again for your wonderful historical insights and biographies that lift our spirits!
I’m so glad you enjoy the historical posts and mini-biographies, Dayle. I do enjoy researching and writing them! Isaac Watts was surely gifted by the Spirit to write meaningful lyrics and stirring tunes. Another hymn that can be sung with passion: Give to Our God Immortal Praise (although the tune we sing today was written by another composer).
“Is” indeed, Nancy! And this is a lovely reflection on the thought behind Isaac’s words (and music).
Thank you, Mitch. Praise God, Son, and Holy Spirit for their continuous presence, ministering to our every need!
First of all, I am thankful that Isaac’s father finally suggested he turn complaining into composing and create better melodies and lyrics. This beautiful Christmas hymn may not have come to be without that encouragement. It was a JOY to read about Isaac Watts. I had often wondered about the tense Watts used. It is a wondrous thing that God’s GRACE is active in all of time—past, present, and future. I, too, very much look forward to the ultimate joy to be revealed. Reading this was very encouraging and reminded me that “Those who believe in Jesus gain release from the kingdom of darkness, and one day that evil kingdom will be utterly destroyed.” PRAISE GOD!!!
We do indeed have MUCH to look forward to! And hope (NOT wishful thinking but assurance) is a precious gift indeed.
Yes, timeless and for all times grace, kairos grace!
Thanks to you, I am celebrating Isaac’s irrepressible love of truth via sublime language. Thank you, Nancy! Thank you, little mouse, tightroping vertically . . .
So glad, Laurie, to bring you celebration through Isaac Watts! I must say, you also have been endowed with the gift of expressing truth with sublime language. Your last sentence offers proof: “little mouse, tightroping vertically!” Superbly delightful.
It made me smile when I see that word ‘contemporary’ used in conjunction with the great hymns of the faith. God is always at work in His creation and as long as there are hearts overflowing with love and worship, there will be new music to celebrate our faith!
Merry Christmas, friend …
It made me smile to write “contemporary worship songs” in conjunction with this church father, Linda! Not everyone may know the “worship wars” (a phrase coined in the late 1960s) has actually been going on for centuries as styles of music change. Instead of either/or (contemporary songs vs. old hymns), I’m especially fond of including both!