Joy to the World

Christmas Carol Lyrics

Joy to the world! the Lord is 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 blessing 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.

About This Carol

Joy to the World is a grand and celebratory carol that has become one of the most widely sung Christmas hymns across the English-speaking world. The lyrics were written in 1719 by English minister and hymn writer Isaac Watts, originally as part of a paraphrase of Psalm 98 rather than as a traditional Nativity carol.

Watts’s words focus on the coming of the Lord to reign over the earth - not just the birth of Christ, but His spiritual arrival in every heart and life. The message is one of universal joy, renewal, and redemption, declaring that “heaven and nature sing” in response to God's presence.

The melody most commonly associated with the carol was adapted by American composer Lowell Mason in the 19th century. He drew partial inspiration from the works of Handel, which gives the song its majestic and uplifting quality. The result is a carol that bridges English hymn tradition with American musical influence.

Despite its theological depth, Joy to the World has remained deeply accessible, thanks to its catchy melody and upbeat energy. Whether performed by choirs, orchestras, gospel groups, or in cozy family singalongs, it continues to proclaim a timeless message of hope and gladness.

Performance Video

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