This hymn celebrates that God’s gift of Jesus Christ to the world is a gift of joy— a joy that we as a church are called to share with those who are in need. The third and fourth verses refer to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Christmas Joy Offering. Half of the receipts of this offering go to Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and the other half provides assistance for current and retired church workers and their families who are in need. As we celebrate God’s gift of joy to the world, we dedicate our gifts to those who have served God faithfully— and to those who are seeking to study and prepare for lives of faithful service. So God’s joy spreads out into the world. Churches of other denominations that are not receiving the Christmas Joy Offering may still wish to use verses one, two and five as a hymn of dedication of their special Christmas gifts.
Agency: Presbyterian Mission Agency