Chris Tomlin + We The Kingdom - Christmas Day Lyrics
Lyrics
Joy to the world
On a night like no other
Emmanuel
God is with us
Beggars and kings
Let us come and adore Him
Rest in His peace
And bow before Him
Sing all you people
The Lord almighty reigns
Sing every creature of God
Come bless His name
For He is good, for He is good
He was born to conquer the grave
Light of the world
The reason for Christmas Day
Stars we have seen
Over deserts and oceans
The darkness was deep
But never hopeless
Redemption came
And His name is Jesus
From the mountains
We will shout it out
For the Lord our God
Almighty reigns
He is with us
He is with us now
For the Lord our God
Almighty reigns
Video
Chris Tomlin, We The Kingdom - Christmas Day
Meaning & Inspiration
The collaborative effort of Chris Tomlin and We The Kingdom on "Christmas Day," released October 22, 2021, as part of the "A Family Christmas - EP," delivers a powerful and essential message for the Christmas season. This track transcends a simple holiday carol, offering a profound theological reflection on the incarnation of Christ, inviting every heart to a place of wonder and worship. Its release just before the holiday season perfectly sets the stage for contemplation on the true meaning of Christmas, reminding us that the story of Jesus' birth is not just a historical event, but a living, active truth.
The song immediately establishes a foundation of universal joy and the divine presence through its opening declarations. "Joy to the world" isn't merely a sentiment; it's a direct echo of Luke 2:10, where the angel proclaims "good news of great joy for all the people." This joy is anchored in the person of "Emmanuel," beautifully interpreted as "God is with us," a promise first given in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:23. The profound truth that the infinite, transcendent God chose to dwell among humanity, intimately present in our world, is the very heartbeat of the Christmas narrative. This divine presence extends a radical invitation to "beggars and kings" alike, breaking down all social barriers and inviting all to "come and adore Him," finding rest in His peace and bowing before His majesty, a testament to God's impartial love and grace for all humankind (Galatians 3:28).
The song progresses into a vibrant call to worship, urging "Sing all you people, the Lord almighty reigns." This is a profound declaration of God's sovereignty, not just in the past, but in the present and future. It's a truth found throughout Scripture, from Psalm 96:10 which declares, "Say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns!'" to Revelation 19:6, proclaiming "Hallelujah! For the Lord God Almighty reigns." The praise isn't for a distant deity, but for the one who "was born to conquer the grave." This pivotal line elevates the Christmas story beyond a heartwarming nativity scene, connecting it intrinsically to the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and His ultimate victory over death, a victory promised in passages like Hebrews 2:14-15 and celebrated in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. Jesus, as the "Light of the world" (John 8:12), is undeniably the very reason for Christmas Day, illuminating paths darkened by sin and despair.
A beautiful thread of hope and redemption weaves through the narrative as the song reflects on the journey to this promised light. "Stars we have seen over deserts and oceans" clearly evokes the ancient journey of the Wise Men, following a divine beacon across vast distances to find the newborn King (Matthew 2:1-12). Their journey, and indeed humanity's journey before Christ, occurred when "the darkness was deep, but never hopeless." This affirms God's enduring faithfulness even in the deepest spiritual night, always holding onto His promises of salvation. The ultimate fulfillment of this hope is declared: "Redemption came, and His name is Jesus." This echoes Ephesians 1:7, which states, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." Jesus' birth marked the decisive turning point in humanity's story, bringing salvation and a new covenant of grace.
The song culminates in a powerful declaration and an insistent reminder of God's constant presence. "From the mountains, we will shout it out" is an image of unreserved proclamation, a command to share the good news broadly and without fear (Matthew 28:19-20). The refrain, "For the Lord our God Almighty reigns," reiterates the foundational truth that undergirds all Christian hope and praise. But perhaps the most encouraging and comforting lines are "He is with us, He is with us now." This isn't just a historical recounting of Emmanuel; it’s a present reality. Christ's promise to His disciples, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20), resonates strongly, reminding believers that the God who came down to us on Christmas Day remains intimately involved in our lives today. This unwavering presence, this ongoing reign, is the enduring source of joy, peace, and the very spirit of Christmas.