Christmas Songs of Joy (Luke 2)
by Derek Bigley
“Joy to the World,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High” …there are many, many Christmas carols that focus on the concept of joy. But why? What is it about the Christmas season that brings such happiness and joviality that inspires us to write and sing songs of joy? Are presents fun? Sure they are! Is snow awesome? Absolutely! Do Christmas decorations brighten any space they inhabit? You better believe it! But while all of those things do help to promote and enhance the spirit of the season, I think the foundation for the joy we all experience when December rolls around stems from something totally different—something ancient and mysterious and wonderful; a promise fulfilled and a world forever changed.
By the time Jesus came to earth in the form of a human baby, the Israelites had been experiencing total silence from God for over 400 years. Although most of them did not recognize it at the time, Jesus’ coming meant an end to that period of silence, and more than that, the end of man’s relational separation from God. He was the promised Messiah, sent by the Father to atone for the sins of the world, from the first sin ever committed in the Garden of Eden to the final sin still to be committed. And although we more directly celebrate that specific salvific action on Easter weekend, Christmas gives us the opportunity to recognize God’s faithfulness to his people—past, present, and future—in the way that He came and dwelt among us, thereby fulfilling the promises He made through His Old Testament prophets.
Our King visited us on that first Christmas, and the world has never been the same because of it. Now if that’s not a reason to sing songs of joy, I don’t know what is!
Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!
Additional Resources
Read Joy to the World: A Christmas Hymn Reconsidered
Look at the World Map and identify parts of the world that you would like to visit. Talk about why visiting there would bring you joy.
Name a country for each letter of the alphabet. It's possible for every letter but "X". If you need help, check out this list.
Listen to Joy to the World
