Matt Redman - Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World) Lyrics

Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World) Video

Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Introduction

"Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World)" is a song by Matt Redman that captures the anticipation and joy of the Christmas season. With its catchy melodies and powerful lyrics, the song reminds us of the true reason for our celebration - the birth of Jesus Christ.

Verse 1: Hearts Waiting

The song begins with the lyrics, "Hearts waiting, waiting on a Savior, come o come Emmanuel, hear the prophets speaking of the promise, come o come Emmanuel." These lines express the longing that the people of Israel had for the coming Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament, there were prophecies and promises foretelling the birth of a Savior who would bring salvation and redemption to the world. The people eagerly awaited the fulfillment of these promises, and this verse captures the anticipation and hope they felt.

Chorus: Joy to the World

The chorus of the song declares, "Joy to the world! Joy to the world! The Lord has come, the Lord has come to us! Joy to the world, a Savior for all! The Lord has come, the Lord has come to us!" These lines celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The birth of Jesus brought joy and hope to humanity, as He came to fulfill God's plan of salvation. The chorus emphasizes that this joy is not just for a select few, but for all people. The Lord's coming is a cause for celebration and rejoicing.

Verse 2: Messiah

The second verse of the song focuses on the identity of Jesus as the Messiah. The lyrics say, "Messiah, ruler of the nations, come o come Emmanuel, our redeemer, God is with us, God is for us, come o come Emmanuel." These lines highlight the divinity and authority of Jesus. As the Messiah, He is the long-awaited King who will rule over all nations. He is also our redeemer, the one who saves and delivers us from sin. The mention of "God is with us" echoes the name Emmanuel, which means "God with us." This verse reminds us that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our constant companion and source of strength.

Bridge: He Shall Reign Forever and Ever

The bridge of the song proclaims, "And He shall reign forever and ever, He shall reign forever, and He shall reign forever and ever, He shall reign forevermore." These lines echo the biblical truth that Jesus is the eternal King. In the book of Revelation, it is written that Jesus will reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). This bridge serves as a powerful declaration of the sovereignty and eternal nature of Jesus' reign.

Meaning and Inspiration

"Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World)" is a song that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. It emphasizes the anticipation and joy that comes from the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to be our Savior and King. The song draws inspiration from the prophecies and promises found in the Old Testament, as well as the biblical accounts of Jesus' birth. It captures the emotions and sentiments of the people of Israel who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah.

The song's inspiration can be traced back to the traditional Christmas carol, "Joy to the World." Matt Redman took the familiar lyrics of the carol and added his own verses to create a new composition that captures the essence of Christmas. The result is a modern worship song that combines the timeless message of "Joy to the World" with contemporary melodies and a heartfelt expression of praise and adoration.

Biblical Analysis

The song "Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World)" is firmly rooted in biblical truth. It draws upon the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament, as well as the accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels. Let us now critically analyze the song's biblical foundation.

The mention of "Emmanuel" in the song comes from Isaiah 7:14, which says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, as Matthew 1:23 confirms, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')."

The chorus of the song, with its proclamation of "Joy to the world! The Lord has come," aligns with the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth. The angels proclaimed this message to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11, saying, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

The bridge of the song echoes the biblical truth that Jesus will reign forever and ever. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." This verse assures us that Jesus' reign is eternal and unending.

In conclusion, "Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World)" by Matt Redman is a powerful song that captures the anticipation and joy of the Christmas season. Its lyrics express the longing for a Savior, the celebration of Jesus' birth, and the eternal reign of Christ. The song is firmly rooted in biblical truth, drawing upon the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament, as well as the accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels. As we sing this song, may we be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and the joy that comes from the birth of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ.