Hannah Kerr - Joy To The World (It's Christmas) Lyrics
Lyrics
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
We're singing joy to the lonely
Joy when it's hard to come by
Joy like a river that never runs dry
Joy for the ages
Joy in the morning sunrise
Joy 'cause it's Christmas
He's with us, He's given us this joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
We're singing joy to the lonely
Joy when it's hard to come by
Joy like a river that never runs dry
Joy for the ages
Joy in the morning sunrise
Joy 'cause it's Christmas
He's with us, He's given us this joy
To the world, I'm telling you
There's joy to the world
Joy to the world
He's bringing all the joy to the world
Joy to the world
I'm telling you
There's joy to the world
Joy to the world
It's Christmas, He's given us this joy
Video
Joy To The World (It's Christmas)
Meaning & Inspiration
Hannah Kerr’s single, "Joy To The World (It's Christmas)," released on November 18, 2022, serves as a beautiful and timely reimagining of the beloved carol, drawing us deeply into the true essence of the Christmas season. This rendition skillfully weaves the foundational truth of Christ's arrival with contemporary expressions of hope, crafting a message that resonates with both reverence for tradition and a fresh, personal understanding of divine joy. The song not only celebrates the historical coming of the Savior but actively calls hearts to prepare for and embrace His presence, reflecting the timeless invitation found in the original hymn for "Earth to receive her King," a concept rooted in prophetic Scripture like Psalm 98, which foretells the Lord coming to judge the earth with righteousness.
The timeless core of "Joy to the World" originates from Isaac Watts' poetic interpretation of Psalms 98, 96, and Genesis 3:15, portraying the universal jubilation at the birth of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. Kerr’s version powerfully maintains this foundational declaration that "the Lord is come," inviting all of creation to acknowledge His sovereignty. This joyous proclamation, where "Heaven and nature sing," echoes the angelic chorus at Christ's birth in Luke 2:13-14 and the very rocks crying out in praise as mentioned in Luke 19:40. The song thus anchors itself in the profound theological truth that Christ’s reign brings redemption and spiritual freedom, prompting all of humanity to "let men their songs employ" in recognition of His divine authority.
Where Kerr truly makes this classic her own is in the poignant additions that bring the message of joy into our present-day realities. Her lyrics, "We're singing joy to the lonely, Joy when it's hard to come by, Joy like a river that never runs dry," illuminate a compassionate understanding of human struggle and God's enduring provision. This message speaks directly to the heart of Christ’s ministry, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and offer comfort to the weary (Matthew 11:28). The notion of joy being available "when it’s hard to come by" reinforces a central tenet of Christian faith—that genuine joy is not dependent on circumstances but springs from an abiding relationship with God, as the Apostle Paul experienced even in chains (Philippians 4:4). Furthermore, describing this joy as "a river that never runs dry" vividly illustrates the Holy Spirit's continuous presence and fruit within believers, a concept Jesus Himself spoke of as "living water" flowing from within (John 7:38-39).
The song continues to build on this theme, declaring "Joy for the ages, Joy in the morning sunrise," which speaks to the eternal hope Christ offers and the new mercies we receive each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). The explicit connection, "Joy 'cause it's Christmas, He's with us, He's given us this joy," serves as a powerful reminder that the festive season isn't merely a tradition but a celebration of Immanuel—God with us—a truth prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:23. This deep connection underscores that the joy is not merely an emotion but a divine gift, bestowed through Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice. His reign, characterized by "truth and grace," as the song proclaims, ensures that "the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love," revealing God's perfect character and boundless mercy that transforms hearts and lives (John 1:14, Ephesians 2:4-5).
Ultimately, Hannah Kerr’s "Joy To The World (It's Christmas)" culminates in a personal and communal call to proclaim this profound truth. The repeated refrain, "To the world, I'm telling you, There's joy to the world," transforms the ancient carol into a modern anthem of evangelism and personal testimony. It’s an urgent and encouraging declaration that the joy found in Christ is not meant to be kept secret but shared with a world longing for hope. This song is a vital reminder that the Christmas message is fundamentally one of exuberant, overflowing joy that springs from the presence of Christ, who is indeed with us, and who has given us this incomparable, saving joy for all time. It’s a powerful invitation for every heart to prepare room for Him and experience the transformative power of His love this Christmas and beyond.