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Far as the Curse is Found - Christmas Eve

Joy to the World was written by Isaac Watts, who is widely regarded as one of the finest hymn writers in history. Watts often wrote paraphrases of the Psalms for his hymns, and “Joy to the World” was no different. The lyrics were inspired by his study of Psalm 98, especially verse 4 which reads: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” What is ironic is that Watts never meant for his hymn to be a Christmas song. The hymn is really an Old Testament Psalm mixed with New Testament language which probably describes Christ’s second coming better than his first. Still, the note of joy and the images of the Lord coming and every heart preparing him room combine to make this one of the best-loved Christmas carols of all time. This series is inspired by the third verse of this great song:


No more let sins and sorrows grow, 

Nor thorns infest the ground

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found


Joy to the World serves to remind us to look back to our Lord’s first coming, but also to look forward to His second coming, longing for that time when Christ will indeed “come to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found!” The “curse” is universal and it is powerful, but in Christ we find HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, and JOY!



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© 2017 Holman Bible Publishers

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