“Joy to the World” is a beloved Christmas carol written by Isaac Watts in 1719, inspired by Psalm 98.
It celebrates the arrival of Jesus Christ, emphasizing themes of joy and redemption rather than focusing solely on His birth.
The melody most commonly associated with the lyrics is “Antioch,” arranged by Lowell Mason in 1848, which bears resemblance to elements of Handel’s Messiah.
This carol has become one of the most-published Christmas hymns in North America, often sung during festive celebrations for its uplifting message: “Let every heart prepare Him room.” Its joyful proclamation encourages all creation to sing in celebration of Christ’s reign and blessings.
Joy to the World Lyrics
Joy to the world, the Lord has come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy
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
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love, and wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love
