![Joy to the World [By Rev. Dr. Eric Muchina]](https://pcea.or.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1.jpeg)
Joy to the World [By Rev. Dr. Eric Muchina]
Isaac Watt, the composer of the famous song, Joy to the World was a writer, poet and a theologian who became a minister at the age of 26 in England. He was born after the infamous Bubonic plague which had ravaged many families and destroyed the economy of his country among others. At the same time, Christianity was going through persecution from a conforming society. It is said that Isaac’s father was in prison for his faith at the time of his birth.
One of his fans, Elizabeth Springer who was inspired by his singing wrote a letter and, it is said, proposed marriage to him even before meeting him, which Isaac accepted. On meeting him, Elizabeth run away and described Isaac as having the colour of death, ‘a jewel clothed in a casket’. Isaac experienced personal rejection of the worst form and he never married in life. However, he remained focused in his faith and wrote some of the great hymns which we sing today including, O God our help in Ages Past’ and ‘When I Survey the Wonderous cross’.
Why write Joy to the World at such a perilous time and in the midst of personal tragedy? Can we find joy today? Isaac never intended the song to be a Christmas carol. The song is a reflection of Psalm 98 and as a believer in God and in the word of God, Isaac found exceeding joy in scriptures.
In the midst of the prevailing circumstances, you and I can find and transmit joy during this Christmas season.
1. We can find joy in God who gave us his son as our saviour (1-3)
2.We can find joy in God who is King over all the earth (4-6)
3. We can find joy in our saviour who judges in righteousness and equity (7-9).
He makes all things work out for good for them that love him regardless of the time and circumstances.
MERRY CHRISTMAS