We’re introducing a new song this Sunday at the West Campus of Vintage21 Church, “Joy Has Dawned Upon The World.” It was written by Keith and Kristyn Getty of “In Christ Alone” fame. We’re taking a Vintage21 Church approach to the arrangement, and it’s going to be hard not to sing out, clap and worship God with joy.
This song relates to yesterday’s post, “It’s The Most Delusional Time Of The Year”. The title and opening line speaks of the reality of Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” It is only through Jesus Christ that we are reconciled with God, and through Him we know joy, peace and love. Our hope is in Jesus alone, let us prepare to worship Him together this Sunday.
In preparation for Sunday, read Isaiah 9:2-6 and Romans 5:1-11. Here are the songs we’ll sing:
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Red Mountain Church
Audio Clip
Purchase here
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art,
dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of ev’ry longing heart.
Joy to those who long to see thee, Dayspring from on high, appear;
come, thou promised Rod of Jesse, of thy birth we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing news, glad tidings of a birth;
“Go to him, your praises bringing; Christ the Lord has come to earth.”
Come to earth to taste our sadness, he whose glories knew no end;
by his life he brings us gladness, our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number, born within a cattle stall;
this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Lyrics
To Us A Child Of Hope Is Born
Lyrics
Mp3
This advent hymn is based on Isaiah 9:6, thus making it a theme song of Vintage21 Church’s advent series on the same passage. The recording below was taken from the 6:00 pm service at Vintage21’s West Campus on December 5, 2010. You can find Bruce’s recording of this hymn and others here. Follow @cardiphonia on Twitter!
http://vimeo.com/17564119
Joy Has Dawned upon the World
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2004 Thankyou Music
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.
Previous Advent posts:
- Advent: More Than A Manger
- Christmas: The Worst Cover Song Ever
- Redeeming Christmas
- Mighty God or Helpless Babe?
- Jesus, Everlasting Father
- It’s The Most Delusional Time Of The Year
Matt Stevens is the Worship Pastor for Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact him via Twitter: @MattStevensNC