Last Sunday, we sang this rich and theologically deep hymn:
Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God’s salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev’ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother’s breast,
Vuln’rable and helpless.Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He’ll win us.Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst’ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist’ry.
“Joy Has Dawned upon the World”
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2004 Thankyou Music
Wonderful song. We need more like it. Think about the imagery and depth contained here, and then remember what this day is all about. Christmas represents a paradox. The Lord of the universe came as a lamb and was worshiped by shepherds and gentiles. His ministry divided families and broken down walls between nations. He death made a path open to salvation that anyone can enter but few will actually take advantage of. He will one day return as the lion of the tribe of Judah, and as we remember the cradle and the cross, it behooves us also to look forward with anticipation to the crown…
Merry Christmas!