In 1719 Isaac Watts published his most famous hymn, Joy to the World, which was subsequently sung to the tune we all know from George Handel; multiple arrangements of which are heard during the Christmas season (some would say ad naseum)!
Verses 1, 2 and 4 of the original hymn ‘resound’ with victorious and kingly images of Christ as not only every heart is told to prepare room for Christ, but also heaven, nature, fields, streams, rocks, hills and plain all get in the act of singing with joy!
Verse 3 is often left out at Christmas and Easter, but to my mind, and in sync with what many may be feeling this Christmas 2021, the verse’s words resound at a much deeper level:
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
As we wait in faith towards the end of Advent, many of us may feel an uneasy and complex mixture of trepidation, joy and grief for upcoming Christmas worship and gatherings. In these cases, it seems more appropriate to sing this beautiful hymn with a quiet, imploring hope in our voices rather than a triumphal shout. Immanuel – God is with us – a God who comes into the world in a glory vulnerable and wild - into a world so in need of hope, joy, love and peace.
My prayers for a safe, healthy and quiet joy at this Christmas time. And may I recommend the following An Advent Song with the Orchardist – well worth following to the end!
Blessings
Rev Ceri
