Listen "Joy to the World!"
Episode Synopsis
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". #Advent2025 #JoyToTheWorld #Psalm98 #BibleStudy #ForestHillPres #IsaacWatts #ChristmasEve #ChristianHymns
More episodes of the podcast Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
23/12/2025
We Three Kings
22/12/2025
O Holy Night
19/12/2025
Go, Tell It on The Mountain!
18/12/2025
The First Noel
17/12/2025
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
16/12/2025
Angels We Have Heard on High
15/12/2025
Crowned with Glory and Honor
14/12/2025
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
12/12/2025
In the Bleak Midwinter
11/12/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.