Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Joy to the World, the Lord is Come

"Joy to the World, the Lord is come" The lyrics and tune are familiar to most of us.  We hear it played every Christmas.  Its message is simple.  Jesus Christ is born and because of that, we have joy.  We have joy because Jesus has come to conquer sin and death.  He is triumphant over Satan's power. He brings us peace and hope in the midst of our care and sorrows.

Below are some lyrics from traditional Christmas hymns.  There are more that I haven't included which speak of hope and peace. 


Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.

God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)

O Come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant ( O Come all ye Faithful)

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem! (Hark the Herald)

Good Christian men rejoice with heart and soul and voice.
Give ye heed to what we say, Jesus Christ is born today. (Good Christian Men Rejoice)


O holy night,
The stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of
Our dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining,
Till He appeared
And the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices, ( O Holy Night)

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel  Shall come to thee, O Israel. ( O Come Emmanuel)

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o're the plains;
And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains (Angels We Have Heard on High)

When you hear these songs this Christmas, I pray that you will consider the message they bring.  May God richly bless you and your family this year with joy, peace and hope.  Merry Christmas!