Most people think Joy to the World is a Christmas carol. But Dr. David Jeremiah points out that it doesn’t really fit Christmas at all. The lyrics describe a world where sin and sorrow are gone, where Christ reigns over all nations, and blessings cover the earth. That hasn’t happened yet. According to Scripture, those words will only be fulfilled during the millennium revelation—the thousand-year reign of Jesus on earth after His return.

The Meaning of the Millennium

Revelation 20 is the key text. The word “millennium” comes from Latin—mille (thousand) and annum (years). In Revelation 20, the phrase “a thousand years” is repeated six times. During this period, Satan will be bound, Christ will reign with His saints, and righteousness will cover the earth.

But it’s also one of the most debated topics in prophecy. Three main views exist.

Three Perspectives on the Millennium

1. Postmillennialism

This view teaches that the church will gradually bring about God’s kingdom through preaching the gospel until the world is ready for Jesus to return. It was popular in the 1700s–1800s, but collapsed after the devastation of World Wars I and II. The world clearly wasn’t getting better.

2. Amillennialism

This denies a literal millennium. Followers believe we are in the millennium right now, and that the promises of peace and righteousness are symbolic. Jeremiah pushes back, saying if this is the millennium, it looks nothing like what the Bible describes.

3. Premillennialism

This is Jeremiah’s position and the oldest of the three. It teaches that Jesus will return before the millennium, defeat His enemies, and set up His earthly kingdom. This fits the plain, literal interpretation of Scripture.

Why the Millennium Matters

Dr. Jeremiah lists four major purposes:

1. To Reward God’s People Believers who served Christ faithfully will be given responsibilities and rewards. Service isn’t punishment—it’s honor. We will reign with Christ, ruling and serving in joy.
2. To Fulfill Prophecy Dozens of Old Testament passages describe a righteous kingdom on earth. Without the millennium, those predictions remain unfulfilled.
3. To Answer the Lord’s Prayer “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That prayer will finally be realized during the millennium revelation.
4. To Expose Man’s Sin Nature Even in a perfect world ruled by Christ, people born during the thousand years will still rebel when Satan is released at the end. This proves that mankind’s problem is not environment—it’s sin in the heart.

What the Millennium Will Be Like

Jeremiah highlights five “profiles” of this coming age:

• Peace – War will cease. Nations will beat swords into plowshares. Even the animal kingdom will live in harmony.
• Prosperity – Crops will flourish. Deserts will bloom. Abundance will cover the earth.
• Purity – Sin will be restrained. Idolatry and evil spirits will be gone. Worship will be central.
• Prolonged Life – Like in Genesis, lifespans will dramatically increase. A person dying at 100 will be considered young.
• Personal Joy – Singing, celebration, and gladness will fill the earth as God wipes away tears and brings blessing.

The Prelude to Eternity

The millennium isn’t the end. It’s a preview of heaven, like an overture before the main performance. After the thousand years, Satan’s final rebellion will be crushed, and God will usher in the new heaven and new earth.

The Final Choice

Dr. Jeremiah ends with a challenge. Philippians 2: 9-11 says every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The only question is when. Will we bow willingly now in faith, or later in judgment when it’s too late? The millennium revelation shows us God’s ultimate plan, but our decision to follow Christ today determines our place in it.