LETTERS: CAROLS LEAVE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

To the editor:

Many of those who sing "Joy to the World," the well-known and favorite Christmas carol, will not actually realize they are singing a psalm. The reason for this is the Old Testament is not known for joyous songs.

Isaac Watts, who is credited for and wrote that famous carol, is said by J.C. Watson, professor of English at Durham, to be the most inspiring hymn writer of all times who so clearly and truly reaches into the hearts of all people.

Watts' main contemporary and critic, Samuel Johnson, admired him for his ability to reach the hearts of dissenters, leading them the way to Christianity. Thus, the many hymns of Watts continue to enlighten and inspire because of their simplicity and depth.

Great writers and artists will often spring from sad backgrounds. Unfortunately, this also happened to Watts, whose dear father was in prison when he was born. Thus, Watts' goal in life was to bring out the good and destroy the bad. This he did so beautifully with the many hymns he has written.

Today we celebrate and honor the 250th year of the beautiful and inspiring songs Watts embedded into the hearts of everyone, songs that will be forever loved and cherished and live on forever.

Christmas carols are favorites with me, and "Joy to the World" is indeed one of them. I am sure the same sentiment is felt by others.

Thank you, Missourian, for printing that heartwarming article that has impressed and given joy to so many.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau