Joy to the World is NOT a Christmas Song

This is one of those posts that gets me labeled as the crazy relative at family gatherings.  Yes, I’m that guy.  Sometimes at church we discuss talents and when we do I get to share that I have the ability to take any normal conversation and make it awkward faster than anyone else.  It’s not a talent I’m proud of per-se, but it’s one I’ve come to live with.So, this is one of those things.  Joy to the World is a wonderful song, but it is not a Christmas song.  People who sing it at Christmas time are woefully ignorant of what century they live in and are singing about.Jesus Once of Humble Birth shows the contrast of Christ’s comings.  The first one was under very humble circumstances.  The second will be in his glory.  Which one does Joy to the World speak of?  Let’s take a look at Jesus Once of Humble Birth:

1. Jesus, once of humble birth,

Now in glory comes to earth.

Once he suffered grief and pain;

Now he comes on earth to reign.

Now he comes on earth to reign.

2. Once a meek and lowly Lamb,

Now the Lord, the great I Am.

Once upon the cross he bowed;

Now his chariot is the cloud.

Now his chariot is the cloud.

3. Once he groaned in blood and tears;

Now in glory he appears.

Once rejected by his own,

Now their King he shall be known.

Now their King he shall be known.

4. Once forsaken, left alone,

Now exalted to a throne.

Once all things he meekly bore,

But he now will bear no more.

But he now will bear no more.

1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King!

Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,

And Saints and angels sing,

And Saints and angels sing,

And Saints, and Saints and angels sing.

2. Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns,

And Saints their songs employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

3. No more will sin and sorrow grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He’ll come and make the blessings flow

Far as the curse was found,

Far as the curse was found,

Far as, far as the curse was found.

4. Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,

While Israel spreads abroad

Like stars that glitter in the sky,

And ever worship God,

And ever worship God,

And ever, and ever worship God.

Now, if you’re feeling sad because you’ve been doing it wrong don’t worry.  You’re in good company.  I’m right along there with you.  I love this song, especially around the holidays.