Christmas Library 2020: Singing "Joy To The World"

"Joy To The World" by James R. Stewart Jr.
This image may be freely used for ministry with source acknowledgments.

After years of studying Christian cartoonists Jack Hamm, Al Hartley, other Christian artists, and vintage Christmas artwork, I thought I would give a try at a teaching and inspirational one-panel drawing. This image is based on an old newspaper ad with choir boys. 

"Joy To The World" is the classic, traditional Christmas hymn written by minister Isaac Watts, and first published in 1719. While associated with Christmas, some of the inspiration behind Watts lyrics actually comes from Psalm 98 in which God revealed his plan for salvation through the nation of Israel, and that salvation is praiseworthy. Psalm 98 begins with:

Sing to the Lord a new song,

    for he has done marvelous things;

his right hand and his holy arm

    have worked salvation for him.

This Christmas season, while singing or listening to a Christmas hymn, pay attention to the message of the song. Many, including "Joy To The World", teaching not just about Christ's first coming at Christmas, but also for his second coming which will be even more glorious.