Day 2 of Worship Devotional: A Month in Word and Worship partners the Stuart Townend/Keith Getty collaboration Joy Has Dawned Upon the World with a devotional on the humility of Christ’s birth. (The CD actually contains the Steve Garrett version, which is not available on YouTube.) The reflection notes that the convention of something that generates buzz is to talk about it to the highest heavens, and the wonder that was Christ’s birth was anything but! The aspect of humility that permeates this story – that something so great started out so furtively in a quiet town on such a quiet night – makes the story even more amazing.
I got much insight from this devotional, one of which is that great things can come from small beginnings if God ordains it to be so. I’ve been reading through Judges the past few days, and it continues to amaze me how God can take the most insignificant people, whose lives were otherwise quiet and mundane, and lift them up to become the most powerful people for His glory. It gives me hope that there will always be something greater in store for me and for you, and also, it reminds me that we should never ever belittle small beginnings because God can and will use us for His glory when He decides the time is right.
About the Devotional: Worship Devotional: A Month in Word and Worship is a two-CD, 30-song set that combines the power of the Word of God with a worshipful song to create one fluid worship experience. Featuring material by such artists like Matt Redman, Tim Highes, Delirious?, Keith and Kristyn Getty, and Eoghan Heaslip, Worship Devotional is currently available at House of Praise for only Php600 for two CDs and accompanying worship book.
JOY HAS DAWNED UPON THE WORLD Lyrics
Stuart Townend
Joy has dawned upon the world
Promised from creation
God’s salvation now unfurled
Hope for every nation
Not with fanfares from above
Not with scenes of glory
But a humble gift of love
Jesus born of Mary
Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable
Hands that set each star in place
Shaped the earth in darkness
Cling now to a mother’s breast
Vulnerable and helpless
Shepherds bow before the Lamb
Gazing at the glory
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story
Gold a King is born today
Incense God is with us
Myrrh His death will make a way
And by His blood He’ll win us
Son of Adam Son of heaven
Given as a ransom
Reconciling God and man
Christ our mighty Champion
What a Saviour what a Friend
What a glorious mystery
Once a babe in Bethlehem
Now the Lord of history
