“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” ~Psalm 98:4

“Joy to the world, The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing.”

These familiar words are from the popular Christmas Carol “Joy to the World” written by  Isaac Watts in 1719 with music composed by Handel. The lyrics are primarily taken from Psalm 98 where the Psalmist is extolling the praises of God by singing a ‘new song’ thanking Him for the marvelous things He has done. Verse 4 states that this praise extends to the ends of the earth, where people of all nations join in praise of their newborn King.

This third week of Advent we light the candle of joy.  We do this in joyful expectation as earth prepares to ‘receive her King.’  The Advent season is the time to let ‘every heart prepare Him room’ and in so doing, we invite joy into our hearts as well.

Where in your heart are you lacking joy?

How will you ask God to prepare your heart to receive His joy this Christmas?