Hark: Joy to the World (Simon Martin)

Every year, Christmas media floods TV, radio, and online platforms, and it seems like it starts earlier every year. This Advent, to hear the story afresh, we are looking at the Christmas story through the lens of classic carols. The word “hark” means to listen in, to pay attention, to hear what is being said. We sing carols at this time every year, almost on autopilot, without thinking about the words. As we slow down, we let these songs, the beautiful blending of art and theology, to say to us: “Hark! Listen! Pay attention! Hear the good news of great joy that a saviour has been born for all people!”