As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes instead the joy that Christ's birth brought to mankind. For centuries hearts had yearned for God to reveal Himself personally. At last it happened as "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The entire Christmas season should be filled with rejoicing as we contemplate anew God's great gift, providing the means whereby sinful man might live eternally.
The text was originally titled "The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom" when it first appeared in Isaac Watts' hymnal of 1719. The music for this popular carol is thought to have been adapted by Lowell Mason from some of the phrases used in parts of George Fredrick Handel's beloved oratorio, The Messiah, first performed in 1742. Through the combined talents, another great hymn was born.
Praying you have a joy-filled Christmas as we celebrate all that Christmas means. Merry Christmas!
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