Study Guide
1. A Song of Anticipation – Verse 1
Isaac Watts wrote “Joy to the World” as a paraphrase of Psalm 98—a shout of anticipation for the coming King. Scripture shows us that God rejoices over His people and that true joy comes from His presence and salvation.
Something to think about: What would change in your worship if you truly believed God rejoices over you?
2. The Lord Has Come – The Arrival of the King
Jesus’ birth fulfilled centuries of shadow and foreshadowing—Passover, Yom Kippur, the feasts, the prophets. His coming brings healing, hope, forgiveness, and new life.
Something to think about: Are you preparing room in your heart for Jesus daily—not just at Christmas?
3. A Song of Adoration – Verse 2
Creation joins humanity in worship because Jesus’ arrival is “good news of great joy.” True joy is rooted in what cannot be shaken: Christ’s reign, His goodness, and His victory.
Something to think about: Is your joy anchored in Christ or in temporary circumstances?
4. A Song of Restoration – Verse 3
Jesus reverses the curse of Genesis 3. Where sin brought thorns, sorrow, and separation, Christ brings forgiveness, blessing, and restoration “far as the curse is found.”
Something to think about: Where do you see Christ reversing the effects of sin in your life?
5. A Song of Consummation – Verse 4
Though we sing this hymn at Christmas, Watts wrote it pointing to Christ’s second coming—when He returns to rule the world with truth and grace. We live between His first and second advents, called to joyful expectancy.
Something to think about: How does anticipation of Christ’s return shape the way you live today?
Isaac Watts wrote “Joy to the World” as a paraphrase of Psalm 98—a shout of anticipation for the coming King. Scripture shows us that God rejoices over His people and that true joy comes from His presence and salvation.
Something to think about: What would change in your worship if you truly believed God rejoices over you?
2. The Lord Has Come – The Arrival of the King
Jesus’ birth fulfilled centuries of shadow and foreshadowing—Passover, Yom Kippur, the feasts, the prophets. His coming brings healing, hope, forgiveness, and new life.
Something to think about: Are you preparing room in your heart for Jesus daily—not just at Christmas?
3. A Song of Adoration – Verse 2
Creation joins humanity in worship because Jesus’ arrival is “good news of great joy.” True joy is rooted in what cannot be shaken: Christ’s reign, His goodness, and His victory.
Something to think about: Is your joy anchored in Christ or in temporary circumstances?
4. A Song of Restoration – Verse 3
Jesus reverses the curse of Genesis 3. Where sin brought thorns, sorrow, and separation, Christ brings forgiveness, blessing, and restoration “far as the curse is found.”
Something to think about: Where do you see Christ reversing the effects of sin in your life?
5. A Song of Consummation – Verse 4
Though we sing this hymn at Christmas, Watts wrote it pointing to Christ’s second coming—when He returns to rule the world with truth and grace. We live between His first and second advents, called to joyful expectancy.
Something to think about: How does anticipation of Christ’s return shape the way you live today?
Prayer Points
Prepare Him Room
Ask God to search your heart and reveal anything that competes with Christ’s rightful place as King.
Live in True Joy
Pray that the Holy Spirit fills you with joy rooted not in circumstances but in the unchanging presence of Jesus.
Share the Joy of Christ
Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to spread joy to others through encouragement, generosity, and testimony.
Celebrate God’s Restoration
Pray that you recognize and embrace the areas where Jesus is reversing the curse and bringing healing and freedom.
Await His Return with Hope
Ask God to cultivate a heart that longs for Christ’s appearing and lives with joyful expectation of His kingdom.
Ask God to search your heart and reveal anything that competes with Christ’s rightful place as King.
Live in True Joy
Pray that the Holy Spirit fills you with joy rooted not in circumstances but in the unchanging presence of Jesus.
Share the Joy of Christ
Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to spread joy to others through encouragement, generosity, and testimony.
Celebrate God’s Restoration
Pray that you recognize and embrace the areas where Jesus is reversing the curse and bringing healing and freedom.
Await His Return with Hope
Ask God to cultivate a heart that longs for Christ’s appearing and lives with joyful expectation of His kingdom.