300 years ago, in 1719, Isaac Watts, known as one of the world’s great hymn writers, was inspired by the Psalms and started writing poetry about each one. When he got to Psalm 98, he wrote the poem Joy to the World. You might be surprised to learn that Watts didn’t write Joy to the […]
Throughout the Lectionary for Advent, we have followed passages of prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah. The gospel writer of Matthew references Isaiah 35 in telling of the birth story of Jesus 600 years later. We hear the yearning for Emmanuel, “God with us” in both Isaiah & Matthew -becoming present in such a way that God’s […]
We are in the midst of an Advent theme of Joy, and today is known as Gaudete Sunday, Sunday of Joy. We desperately need joy in our lives. But to sing such a song of joy in times of suffering and in such a time as this may seem daunting. I have had at least […]
Isaiah 11 & Matthew 3 The Book of Isaiah was not originally meant as a foretelling of Jesus’ birth. Christians now read Isaiah through the lens of New Testament writers. The original recipients of this vision were concerned that their small kingdom would fall prey to the Assyrians. Ch.10 ends with images of God cutting down the tallest, […]
300 years ago, in 1719, Isaac Watts was inspired by Psalm 98, and wrote a poem he called Joy to the World. Watts was a prolific hymn writer of over 750 hymns and is known as “The Father of English Hymns”. Some hymns: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: O God, Our Help in Ages […]