Advent is a season of expectant waiting, reflection, and hope-filled wonder. It’s also a time when the foundations of our faith are set to melodies that prompt our hearts to sing. To celebrate Advent, The Gospel Coalition is excited to introduce a new hymn, “Exult in the Savior’s Birth,” that I wrote alongside D. A. Carson.
The goal of “Exult in the Savior’s Birth” is to communicate unchanging gospel truths with fresh words and song. From the shepherds of Luke 2 to the vision of Isaiah 9, the lyrics are filled with imagery of the incarnation. At the center is an announcement that Christ is the Savior who must be adored.
Part of the mission of TGC is to promote gospel-centered worship throughout the church by training and equipping leaders in the Word-shaped ministry of singing, songwriting, and service planning. This song is but another step toward resourcing churches in this manner. Along with the download, it is our joy to provide a lead sheet and chord chart for free to enable church musicians to introduce this hymn during Advent. We hope as you listen, and as you sing, you too will exult in our Savior’s birth.
Verse 1
Shepherds watched
their flocks at night,
attending lowly sheep;
Now within a cattle shed,
a much stranger watch they keep.
Today, a Savior has been born
and He is Christ, the Lord;
Placed within a humble trough,
this baby must be adored.
Verse 2
Pagan wise men from the East
seek out the infant King;
Trackless miles behind them lie
and now all their rev’rence bring.
They have come to worship Him
with spices and with gold;
Countless millions seek Him still,
who’s advent was long foretold.
Verse 3
For to us a child is born,
to us a Son is giv’n;
He shall reign in righteousness,
this Counselor King from heav’n.
The government will rest on Him,
He is the mighty God;
Prince of Peace, this gentle King
yet rules with a mighty rod.
Verse 4
Scriptures say that Mary’s boy
was born that he might die;
Angel voices burst in praise,
their harmony fills the sky.
Sing, “Glory in the highest heav’n!”
Sing, “Gracious peace on earth!”
Those on whom His favor rests,
exult in the Saviour’s birth.
Is there enough evidence for us to believe the Gospels?
In an age of faith deconstruction and skepticism about the Bible’s authority, it’s common to hear claims that the Gospels are unreliable propaganda. And if the Gospels are shown to be historically unreliable, the whole foundation of Christianity begins to crumble.
