In a psalm traditionally attributed to King David, the writer encouraged his readers to Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! I don’t know what a joyful noise sounds like to you, but here David speaks of exuberant singing, a mass choir praising the God of Heaven.

Years later a teenager named Issac Watts complained about the dull, listless music at church, so his father challenged him to do better. As a response he began writing hymns, including Joy to the World, the most popular Christmas carol today.

What does a joyful noise sound like? We can literally experience David’s words by joining in with our congregations and belting out the words to Joy to the World. It’s not meant to be whispered, but shouted from the rooftops. When it comes on the radio, roll your windows down and share it with the world.

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 heaven, and nature sing.

Here’s a version you will enjoy, one of which Issac Watts would surely approve (not dull at all), and yields a foreshadowing of the choirs of heaven during this Christmas season.

Psalm 98:9

Photo by Chris Gresham-Britt