A classic Christmas song was not made to be sung for the holiday season. 

'Joy to the World' originally comes from a book of poems written by Isaac Watts in the year 1719. Watts is considered 'the Father of Hymns' having written over 700 songs such as 'Alas! and did my Saviour bleed', and 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross'.

Roughly a century later, the poem was set to music by composer George Fredric Handel and arranged by Lowell Mason, a leading figure in American church music. Their work created the beloved Christmas song known worldwide as 'Joy to the World'.

'Joy to the World' is now one of the most-published Christmas hymns in North America. 

Psalms 98 part 1 by Isaac Watts

Praise for the gospel.
To our Almighty Maker, God,
New honors be addressed;
His great salvation shines abroad,
And makes the nations blest.
He spake the word to Abraham first;
His truth fulfils the grace;
The Gentiles make his name their trust,
And learn his righteousness. 
Let the whole earth his love proclaim
With all her diff'rent tongues,
And spread the honors of his name
In melody and songs.