December 9 Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes instead the reverent but ecstatic joy that Christ’s birth brought to mankind. For centuries hearts had yearned for God to reveal Himself personally. At last it happened as “the Word became