Joy to the World

The Forgotten Meaning of Christmas

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Holidays, Christmas, Christianity
Cover of the book Joy to the World by Isaac Watts, Paraclete Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Isaac Watts ISBN: 9781612615301
Publisher: Paraclete Press Publication: November 1, 2013
Imprint: Paraclete Press Language: English
Author: Isaac Watts
ISBN: 9781612615301
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Publication: November 1, 2013
Imprint: Paraclete Press
Language: English

Few people know that “Joy to the World” – the world’s most popular Christmas song – wasn’t written for Christmas at all. Isaac Watts wrote it in imitation of Psalm 98. That psalm has nothing to say about the coming of the Messiah as a child; it is instead about the Messiah who comes in glory, and righteousness, and victory over evil, to judge the world and comfort the faithful. In other words, Isaac Watts meant “Joy to the World” as a spiritual reflection on Christ’s soon-to-be, expected, triumphant return to earth. This book explores this theme with selected readings from elsewhere in the writings of Watts, as a way of preparing our hearts for Christmas morning.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Few people know that “Joy to the World” – the world’s most popular Christmas song – wasn’t written for Christmas at all. Isaac Watts wrote it in imitation of Psalm 98. That psalm has nothing to say about the coming of the Messiah as a child; it is instead about the Messiah who comes in glory, and righteousness, and victory over evil, to judge the world and comfort the faithful. In other words, Isaac Watts meant “Joy to the World” as a spiritual reflection on Christ’s soon-to-be, expected, triumphant return to earth. This book explores this theme with selected readings from elsewhere in the writings of Watts, as a way of preparing our hearts for Christmas morning.

More books from Paraclete Press

Cover of the book Little Daily Wisdom by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Horses Speak of God by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Give Love and Receive the Kingdom by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Butler's Lives of the Saints by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Strangers to the City: Reflections on the Beliefs and Values of the Rule of St. Benedict by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book A Little Daily Wisdom by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Talking with God by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Ascent of Mount Carmel by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Praying the Jesus Prayer by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book How to Pray with the Bible by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Small Things With Great Love by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Praying the Psalms with the Holy Fathers by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Julian of Norwich by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book A Life Together: Wisdom of Community from the Christian East by Isaac Watts
Cover of the book Prayers of the Reformers by Isaac Watts
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy