Big Idea: Diane found great Christmas joy when husband’s favorite hymn was coupled with a carol, ”Joy to the World.”
This advent Diane would like to reflect on Christmas songs that meant something special to her at different stages of life.
Married Christmas
When you get married you share about yourself and you learn about the history of the person you married. I never married till I was 39 years old.
My husband-to-be wanted “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” as a hymn sung at our wedding. Over and over in our married life I have observed how this song has been his beacon.
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
Here are the times of his life when this song has been sung.
In planning last wishes, he wants this song sung at his funeral. In life and in death, this song grounds him.
A few years ago during a Christmas service at our church, we sang “Joy to the World.” All of a sudden they threw in “Joyful, joyful we adore thee.” I loved it and was surprised at the twist.
I looked up at my husband and got tears in my eyes.
I discovered Phil Wickman wrote the mash up of songs and released it with Shane and Shane in 2018. Thank you, Phil.
I have always loved the song and lyrics, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” To add adoration to the Lord follows the beautiful hymn, “Joyful, joyful we adore Thee.”
Again, the reason for the season. Joy!
Earlier this month we were on a Caribbean cruise. At a guest led Sunday service, I agreed to lead in a song or two and give a short devotional. I wanted to share about joy as the second Sunday of Advent.
The hymnal available that day had “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” following “Joy to the World” in the Christmas section of the hymnal.
May you have a joyous Christmas as you reflect on the coming of Jesus.
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
Here are the times of his life when this song has been sung.
- At his first wedding
- At his first wife’s funeral
- At his father’s funeral
- At our wedding
- At his mother’s funeral
- At his retirement ceremony
A few years ago during a Christmas service at our church, we sang “Joy to the World.” All of a sudden they threw in “Joyful, joyful we adore thee.” I loved it and was surprised at the twist.
I looked up at my husband and got tears in my eyes.
I discovered Phil Wickman wrote the mash up of songs and released it with Shane and Shane in 2018. Thank you, Phil.
I have always loved the song and lyrics, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” To add adoration to the Lord follows the beautiful hymn, “Joyful, joyful we adore Thee.”
Again, the reason for the season. Joy!
Earlier this month we were on a Caribbean cruise. At a guest led Sunday service, I agreed to lead in a song or two and give a short devotional. I wanted to share about joy as the second Sunday of Advent.
Always be joyful. I Thessalonians 5:16
The hymnal available that day had “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” following “Joy to the World” in the Christmas section of the hymnal.
As we started singing together something was wrong. The words.
They were Christmas words! How amazing is that? We followed with the first verse so many of us already know but it was so sweet to see those Christmas words!
They were Christmas words! How amazing is that? We followed with the first verse so many of us already know but it was so sweet to see those Christmas words!
Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory Lord of light
Angels lifting praise before you, Sing throughout this holy nightIn a manger lies a baby, son of Mary, son of GodVoices joined in joyful chorus, praise you for your gift of love.
May you have a joyous Christmas as you reflect on the coming of Jesus.
Here is a link to my Nativity Village that I have been adding to for 24 years. The song in the background, Joy to the world.
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Reflect:
Is this Christmas one that easily gives you joy, or are you walking through a dark time? Reflect on what the hope and peace knowing Jesus can give and how it may lead you to joy.
Is this Christmas one that easily gives you joy, or are you walking through a dark time? Reflect on what the hope and peace knowing Jesus can give and how it may lead you to joy.
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