O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. The LORD has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Psalm 98:1-9

This scripture was written as a metrical psalm. It was poetry but in English it sounds different than Hebrew. In 1694 Isaac Watts began converting the metrical psalms into rhyming meter for worship. This psalm is the hymn we now call Joy To The World. It calls us to acknowledge Christ as Savior and King, and to open our hearts to His rule of love and grace. We have all been told to sing a new song. How is your song writing ability? Do you sing praises to God?

To find joy at Christmas, look to Jesus

Our Daily Bread – December 10, 2003