Christmas music in July sounds out of place. Stores are filled with summer clearance sales, children are enjoying vacation, and most people aren’t thinking about Bethlehem. Yet for many years, my church had a tradition that always made me smile. On the Sunday closest to July 25, we would sing Joy to the World.

Our worship leader would remind us that this hymn was never intended to be sung only during the Christmas season. The birth of Christ happened on one day in history, but the joy he brings is meant to be experienced every day of the year.

Isaac Watts begins the hymn with these familiar words:

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room…”

Those words are just as true on a hot July afternoon as they are on Christmas morning. Jesus is still King. He still deserves a place in every heart. His presence is not seasonal.

Later, the hymn declares:

“No more let sins and sorrows grow… He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.”

That doesn’t mean life is free from heartache. We still face disappointments, illness, loss, and uncertainty. But because Christ came, sin and sorrow do not have the final word. His grace reaches every place broken by the curse, and his hope reaches every heart willing to receive him.

The final verse reminds us that Christ “rules the world with truth and grace.” While the headlines often leave us discouraged, our confidence is found in a king whose reign has never been threatened. His love, truth, and grace have not changed with the seasons.

So maybe we should celebrate Christmas in July by remembering the good news the angels announced long ago. The joy that began in Bethlehem still belongs to God’s people today.

Don’t wait until December to rejoice. Rejoice today! The Savior has come, he still reigns, and his joy is available every day of the year.

Thanks for reading.