1273. Joy has dawned upon the world

Author: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

JOY HAS DAWNED UPON THE WORLD,
promised from creation:
God’s salvation now unfurled,
hope for every nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
not with scenes of glory,
but a humble gift of love:
Jesus born of Mary.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
given as a ransom
reconciling God and man:
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Saviour, what a Friend,
what a glorious mystery:
once a babe in Bethlehem,
now the Lord of history.