Title: Joy to the World!
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 24, 2025
Bible: Psalm 98
Summary: Joy to the World (Advent Devo #18)
In this final advent devotional for 2025, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church examines the "accidental Christmas classic," "Joy to the World".
Taking its inspiration from Psalm 98, this session explores how Isaac Watts’ 1719 poem was originally intended as a New Testament reflection on the Psalms rather than a Christmas carol. The devotional highlights how the song bridges the "first coming" of Jesus as our Savior with the joyful anticipation of His "second coming" as King.
Key highlights include:
The Name of Jesus: A look at how Psalm 98 repeatedly references "salvation," which in Hebrew (Yeshua) is the very name of Jesus.
Creation's Response: An exploration of why the "sea roars" and the "hills sing for joy"—nature itself rejoices in the rescue mission of God.
The Accidental Classic: The history of how Watts' poetry was adapted and set to music over a century after its publication to become a worldwide holiday staple.
The Gospel in the Psalms: Understanding Jesus as the "righteousness of God revealed" and the fulfillment of every covenant promise.
Join us for this final study as we remember the first coming of Christ and pray with joy, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus".
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