This is another hymn used in advent as it doesn’t directly mention Christ’s birth.
According to the book ‘Best Loved Carols’ compiled by Martin Manser, this was written by Isaac Watts when he was just 15 years old. After complaining to his father – who was a Deacon in a Southampton church – that the congregation seem rather lacklustre he was challenged to write something that would rouse their enthusiasm. The hymn is based on Psalm 98 which tells the world to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
That it was written by Watts ( who wrote many, many hymns during his life 1674-1748)is well known but most references say it was first published in 1719.
The melody is usually the 1848 arrangement by Lowell Mason from an earlier piece of music resembling G.F.Handel’s piece Antioch. Although other people disagree – the truth is lost in time!
This version is sung by a huge choir accompanied by an equally large orchestra. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah
Back Tomorrow
Sue
