This song was inspired by an accidental turn-of-phrase spoken by a friend of mine from my homeschool choir—a baritone named Isaac. Thus, the tune name.
Behold the Joy of the Earth Words: Ashton Harat Music: Ashton Harat Tune: ISAAC Meter: 7.8.8.8. with Refrain © 2022 by Ashton Harat.
Lyrics
1. Behold the joy of the earth, At the great Messiah's birth, And marvel that 'twas prophesied, While man in captivity sighed. 2. Behold the joy of the earth, As the angels sing of His birth, To shepherds watching flocks by night— Now blinded in glorious Light! 3. Behold the joy of the earth, As the wisemen fall on their knees, With gifts and tribute, strange and rare; The King beyond compare! Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia! Praise the King of earth and sky. Alleluia, Alleluia! He has come for us to die. Humbled to the form of humankind, Our wretched souls to seek and find. Alleluia, Alleluia! Hear the angels sing on high! 4. Behold the wonder of grace, As the Lord of all is disgraced, And nailed upon a cursed Tree From sin and death to free! 5. Behold the triumph of Life! Never more shall death his right, For Christ has risen from the dead— He is alive instead! 6. Behold the joy of the earth! As He comes again to reign! Eternal glory, majesty— The only-worthy King! Refrain: Alleluia, Alleluia! Praise the King of earth and sky. Alleluia, Alleluia! He has come for us to die. Humbled to the form of humankind, Our wretched souls to seek and find. Alleluia, Alleluia! Hear the angels sing on high!
Doctrinal Notes
This song attempts to connect the prophecy of the Messiah (v. 1), the events of the first Christmas (vv. 2–3), the ensuing events of Jesus’ life (vv. 4–5), the prophesied events yet to be (v. 6), and the glorious doctrines of Salvation and the Incarnation (Refrain), in a structured and poetic manner.