12 Hymns to Stir up Joy for Christmas

12 Hymns to Stir Up Joy for Christmas

1. Joy to the World

In 1719, Isaac Watts, an English minister and hymn writer, gifted us with one of the most beloved Christmas hymns of all time in “Joy to the World.” Countless artists have arranged and recorded this song over the years, in styles ranging from traditional choirs to contemporary gospel. But no matter the style, the power of this hymn lies in its lyrics. When you take a moment to truly reflect on the words, it becomes clear why this hymn stirs up joy for the Christmas season.

There are three powerful reasons for joy woven into this hymn: the Savior who came, the Savior who is coming again, and the Savior who will reign forever. Jesus’ first coming opened the door to salvation for us. But the joy doesn’t stop there because Jesus is coming again, and when He does, everything that’s broken, he will restore. He will reign as king forever. When you focus on these truths, you can’t help but feel the joy that "Joy to the World" proclaims so boldly. This isn’t just a song, it’s a declaration of hope and a reminder of why we celebrate.

2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

This hymn beautifully captures the announcement of Jesus' birth, but it’s not just about the angels rejoicing — it’s an invitation for us to join in the celebration too. So, what exactly are we celebrating? The hope of a Savior.

One of the most powerful lines in this hymn says:

Mild he lays his glory by,
born that men no more may die.

Pause for a moment and really let those words sink in. Because Jesus came, the fear of death no longer has power over us. Yes, our earthly bodies will one day fade, but we have the promise of an eternal body that will never perish. Jesus was born to conquer death so that we could have everlasting life. That truth alone is worth celebrating with all our hearts, and that is why we rejoice.

3. O Come, All Ye Faithful

This hymn points us to do the one thing that can have more impact on your joy than possibly anything else: worship. This hymn is not just about worshipping the Savior who was born at Christmas, but we can worship the Savior who was born, who died, who rose, and who is coming again for us. Take a moment now and just sing the chorus unto the Lord and let your heart and mind focus on him. Doing that will allow this hymn to stir up joy for Christmas.

Let’s do that right now.

O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
Christ, the Lord

Sing and worship Jesus with that melody and watch how your joy changes.

4. Angels We Have Heard on High

When you sing this song, there’s one refrain that stands out, “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” I don’t know if you’ve brushed up on your Latin lately, but those words mean “Glory to God in the highest” or “Glory be to God on high.” Let that sink in for a moment. Every time you sing those words, you are lifting praise to God on high. Can you imagine ever singing that phrase again as just another part of a hymn? I don’t know how you do that.

From now on, when you sing “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” let it stir something deep within your heart. These aren’t just words; they are an offering of glory and honor to our God. Picture the angels proclaiming this at Jesus’ birth, inviting all of creation to join in. You receive that same invitation every time you sing it. So let it resonate. Let it move you. Because when you sing those words, you are joining the heavenly chorus in giving glory to the one who deserves it all.

5. O Holy Night

This hymn is one of my absolute favorites because it captures just how extraordinary the night was when Jesus was born. The surroundings weren’t grand or glamorous. No one would expect a manger to be the place where the King of Kings would enter the world. Yet, even in such humble beginnings, there was something profoundly holy about that moment. What happened in that manger was the beginning of the greatest story ever told.

Sometimes, we get so used to hearing the song or the story that we forget to pause and reflect on how special that night truly was. The birth of Christ was a moment that changed everything. This hymn gently pulls us back to that scene, reminding us of the beauty, the humility, and the holiness of the night our savior came into the world. Let it stir your heart as you remember the wonder of his birth.

6. The First Noel

Sometimes it’s a great idea to step into the story and imagine what it must have been like to experience it firsthand. Picture yourself as one of the shepherds, out in the fields, when suddenly an angel appears, announcing the birth of the savior. Before you can even process that, an entire host of angels shows up, declaring:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Can you imagine the awe and wonder of that moment? Beyond the shock of such an encounter, think about the overwhelming joy these shepherds must have felt at hearing the news that the long-awaited savior had been born. Here is how they responded:  

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:16-18).

When you reflect on what the shepherds experienced, it’s impossible not to feel their joy. And when you connect that joy to this hymn, may it stir up that same excitement in your heart this Christmas season.

7. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

This hymn is one of extraordinary contrast. It is a song of hope in a Savior coming to rescue us from sin. Yet, it’s written in a minor key, giving it a somber and almost haunting tone that feels at odds with the rejoicing it calls for. That contrast reflects the tension between a longing for deliverance and the joy of knowing that deliverance is coming.

However, when you focus on the lyrics, you’ll discover a powerful message of joy woven into the words. The refrain says it all: “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” Emmanuel, God with us, has come, and with him comes rescue, redemption, and restoration.

This hymn reminds us that even in the darker moments of life, there’s a reason to rejoice. Jesus has come and has fulfilled the promise to save those who trust in him. So, as you sing this song, let the words stir up hope and joy in your heart, knowing the Savior has come and he’s made a way for you!

8. Silent Night

Silent Night is one of the most beloved Christmas hymns of all time. When I think of this song, one word comes to mind: peace. The imagery it paints is serene. A baby resting quietly in His mother’s arms, surrounded by the stillness of that holy night. But while the peaceful scene is beautiful, the true reason for joy goes far beyond the imagery.

The genuine joy in this hymn comes from the repeated declaration in the next two stanzas: “Christ the Savior is born” and “Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.” Those words hold the heart of Christmas. They remind us that the baby in the manger wasn’t just any child. He was the savior of the world, Lord from the very moment of his birth. Those two truths point to the reason for our hope, and it is that hope that can stir up joy in your heart this Christmas.

9. Away in a Manger

Whenever I think about this hymn, it takes me back to my Sunday School days. But as nostalgic as it is, this hymn is about so much more than a baby in a manger. When you really focus on the lyrics, you realize it’s not just about recognizing the Lordship of Jesus, it’s about surrendering your life to him.

True joy in your life flows from that place of surrender, when you ask Jesus not just to be near, but to lead and guide your life. This leads us to the third stanza.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

This isn’t just a hymn, it’s a prayer. A cry for Jesus to stay close and prepare our hearts for eternity. When you focus on those words, it’s a reminder that the joy of Christmas isn’t just in celebrating Jesus’ birth. The true joy lies in committing your life to Christ and knowing that he is always near.

10. What Child Is This?

This hymn is one of those that stirs up joy for Christmas because it beautifully captures elements of the Christmas story while pointing to a deeper truth about who Jesus is. It takes you to the scene of his birth, but then it reminds you that this is no ordinary child. This baby is Christ the King.

This hymn, like so many others, is a declaration. You are declaring Jesus is Messiah, King, and Lord. It is not about a baby, but really about a king who is the savior of the world.

11. We Three Kings

The story of Jesus’ birth wouldn’t be complete without the wise men who came searching for him, guided by a star. While the song tells the story, it is the chorus that builds that crescendo in your heart.

O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.

While this hymn talks about the journey of the wise men, it reflects our journey to Jesus, too. A star did not lead us, but the Holy Spirit worked in our hearts, drawing us to Jesus and allowing us to see him as savior. The gifts we brought were not gold, frankincense or myrrh. Our gift was of far greater value to Jesus because it was the gift of our hearts laid before him.

So, the next time you sing this hymn, remind yourself of when you laid your life before Jesus, and let the words of the hymn stir up joy for Christmas in your heart.

12. Go Tell It on the Mountain

I saved what might be the most joyous hymn for last. Every version of this song I have heard, no matter the style, is upbeat and uplifting. However, more important than the lyrics, is the reminder of what we should do in this season. We have an obligation to share the message of joy and tell the world that a savior has been born. The birth of Jesus is the greatest news the world has ever known, and we have the privilege of sharing it. As you sing this hymn, let it remind you of the joy that comes from not only celebrating Christ’s birth but also spreading the hope it brings.

Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born