Joy to the world

Times change, life changes in general. Scripture tells us that God never changes; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). The truth of God never changing is revealed in Word and Deed or perhaps even in song! No, the Word does not say music never changes!

On the first Sunday of December each year, our church always begins singing Christmas hymns and this Sunday was no different than all the other years. We used to have a dear Christian lady in our choir who always wanted to sing “Joy to the World’, especially in July.

Bethlehem East Baptist Church

to know this was actually “A Christmas Hymn Reconsidered.”

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

Ms. Bernice said, “that hymn can be sung anytime!” Let’s fast forward about ten years and Pastor Will says, “my favorite hymn is “Joy to the World”. In fact, he did not begin his pastorate at our church in the month of December, but the congregation sang “Joy to the World” for him on one of his first Sundays behind the pulpit. Only, after researching this beautiful hymn did I come

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

Carrville Baptist Church

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Have you ever sung one of these favorite hymns such as, “At the Cross” or “We’re Marching to Zion “. Dr. Isaac Watts was a prolific hymn writer of his day, who incidentally wrote the words to “Joy to the World”. In his day, most hymns sung in churches consisted of psalms and scriptures put to music which, to him, lacked joy and emotion among the congregants as they sang. Dr. Watts father issued a challenge to young Isaac that if he struggled with the songs they sang, then he ought to do something about it. Isaac Watts set out on a