David Phelps - Joy, Joy Lyrics + Chords
Lyrics
Like a drama unfolding, the curtain was opening
An audience of angels was holding its breath
A census, a manger, two travel worn strangers
The stage was finally set.
Angels folded their wings at the throne, worshipping
As God whispered, "I love you, my Son."
Jesus took off His crown and laying it down
Said, "Father, Thy will be done."
The time had now come for God's only Son
To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place.
So He stepped from Heaven's hall to Bethlehem's stall
Where a star lit His newborn face.
Then God called to Gabriel with gladness and tears,
"Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings.
Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear.
Command all the angels to sing
Fill the sky with your voices and sing!"
Chorus
Joy, joy to the world
Praise to the King
Oh, let it ring.
Joy, joy to the world
Worship and sing
Jesus has come to bring…
Repeat Chorus
Video
David Phelps - Joy, Joy from Christmas with David Phelps (Official Music Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
David Phelps' "Joy, Joy," released on January 1, 2000, as part of his album of the same name, offers a captivating and deeply meaningful re-telling of the Christmas story from a uniquely celestial perspective. Far beyond a simple seasonal piece, this song provides a profound theological exploration of Christ's birth, inviting individuals to witness the monumental event from the very counsel of Heaven. Its message delves into the divine preparation, sacrifice, and ultimate joy surrounding the incarnation, aiming to deepen appreciation for this pivotal moment in history.
The song masterfully sets the scene, envisioning the pre-incarnate narrative like a cosmic play where "an audience of angels was holding its breath," anticipating the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. This imagery immediately elevates the significance of the impending birth, presenting it not merely as an earthly event but as a divine drama unfolding before the heavenly host, a concept echoed in Hebrews 1:6 where angels are commanded to worship the firstborn. The lyrics then bring us to the humble earthly preparations: "A census, a manger, two travel worn strangers," underscoring the simplicity of the setting chosen for the most extraordinary miracle. This beautifully grounds the celestial narrative in the tangible details found in Luke 2:1-7, where Caesar’s decree unwittingly sets the stage for prophecy’s fulfillment in Bethlehem.
The narrative ascends back to heaven, portraying angels "folded their wings at the throne, worshipping" as God whispers a tender "I love you, my Son." This poignant moment reveals the boundless love of the Father in sending His only begotten Son. The song then captures Jesus’ willing obedience and profound sacrifice: "Jesus took off His crown and laying it down, Said, 'Father, Thy will be done.'" This powerful imagery evokes the self-emptying act described in Philippians 2:5-8, where Christ, though divine, "made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." It highlights His pre-existent glory and His voluntary submission to the Father's will, a profound act of humility and love detailed further in Hebrews 10:5-7, where Christ declares His coming to do God's will.
The song continues by narrating Christ's arrival into the world: "So He stepped from Heaven's hall to Bethlehem's stall, To be born as a light in a dark, lonely place." This powerful declaration directly references scriptural truths about Jesus as the bringer of light. John 1:4-5 proclaims Him as "the light of mankind" that "shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." His birth is presented as more than just a historical event; it's a divine invasion of hope into a world shadowed by sin and despair, fulfilling ancient prophecies like Isaiah 9:2, which foretold that "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light."
The song’s narrative culminates with God’s command to Gabriel, conveyed with both "gladness and tears," to announce the birth. The juxtaposition of these emotions speaks volumes: gladness for the triumph of redemption, and tears perhaps for the immense cost of this divine sacrifice. God instructs Gabriel to "Play the trumpet, the horns, and the strings. Tell the shepherds, and the wise men and all who will hear. Command all the angels to sing, Fill the sky with your voices and sing!" This vivid scene draws directly from the angelic proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:9-14, where a multitude of the heavenly host bursts forth in praise, declaring "good news that will cause great joy for all the people." The universal call to "all who will hear" expands the message beyond that first blessed night, extending an invitation across time and generations to share in the "Joy, joy to the world."
The recurring chorus, "Joy, joy to the world, Praise to the King, Oh, let it ring. Joy, joy to the world, Worship and sing, Jesus has come to bring..." serves as the unwavering core of the song’s message, articulating the ultimate and appropriate response to this divine act: unrestrained joy and worship. This isn't a call to superficial happiness but to a deep, spiritual delight rooted in the profound understanding of God's love and the salvation demonstrated through Christ's incarnation (Luke 2:10). The mandate to "worship and sing" is a natural, overflowing expression of this joy, a fitting tribute to the magnitude of grace revealed. It reminds us that Christmas is not merely a season of remembrance but a perpetual reason for praise, acknowledging that Christ's coming inaugurated an era of grace and reconciliation for all humanity. "Joy, Joy" powerfully distills the theological truths of Christmas into an accessible and stirring narrative, moving everyone to a deeper appreciation for the boundless love and sacrificial obedience central to our faith, inspiring genuine reflection and worship of the King.