The popular Christmas song “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts celebrates the joyful occasion of the Lord’s coming. But the lyrics were never intended to be a Christmas song. They were a poem by Watts based on Psalm 98, which is a psalm of the second coming of the Lord who “comes to judge the earth” (verse 9). Jesus’ purpose in His first coming was not to judge but to save (John 3:17); still, celebrating the King in His lowliness is appropriate. Jesus brought joy to the world in His first coming to earth as a baby, and He will bring joy to the world when He comes again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

The sermon is divided into the following outline:

1. The Sovereign Savior (98:1-3)
2. Joy to the World. (98:4-9)
3. Far as the Curse is Found. (Genesis 3:17)

Our joy and hope come, not from ourselves, but from the Lord who saves, rules, and judges the earth. We do not have to be disturbed by life problems or political issues or global events because God reigns and at Christmas we come to celebrate because He came to earth to Make His blessings flow.