Bible Digging

A monthly Bible study feature

December 1, 2004

Joy to the World

God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. — Acts 2:36

"Joy to the world!" The old hymn by Isaac Watts is a Christmas favorite every year. Even those who minimize the spiritual meaning of Christmas seem to agree that joy and peace would be marvelous blessings for the world.

But Watts's words don't stop with joy. He announces the arrival of one who is Lord of the whole earth:

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room.