Musical Advent Calendar - Day 24

Each day, from December 1 to December 25, I will post the text (and translation, if necessary) of an Advent- or Christmas-themed song, along with the URL for a YouTube video containing that song. (Select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the list of labels in the right sidebar to sort all of them out from the other posts on the blog.) You will note that each selection has a text, collectively representing the last 2000 years, and this is intentional. For the more familiar texts (such as popular Christmas carols), I have chosen a variety of interpretations and performers, from professional choirs to contemporary Christian worship leaders. I suggest that you follow the text as the music plays, and reflect on the words that proclaim the First Advent of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

May our King, who promises to come again, reveal himself to you in a new way this Advent.

DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve

Joy Has Dawned

 

Text and Music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Performed by Kristyn Getty, Margaret Becker, and Joanne Hogg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KOI2wF1maM

 

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, vulnerable 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 to 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 mystery!

Once a babe in Bethlehem, now the Lord of hist'ry.