Story Behind the Song: Born to Bring Us Joy
When I started writing Born to Bring Us Joy, I didn’t realize how much it would teach me. My only goal going into it was to write a fun, upbeat children’s Christmas song that children would love to sing. As soon as I set my intention, the words and music flowed out of my soul in a way that felt familiar–almost like an old friend who had always been there.
The verses and chorus came quickly and completely. In fact, the only part of the song I went back and forth on—usually there is quite a bit of that—was adding the “Joy to the world” part at the end. I’m very happy I settled on including that part!
The teaching part came in the bridge Writing the bridge of a song is 8/10 times my favorite part. (For those wondering, the bridge comes after the second chorus). The role of a bridge is to make you think about the lyrics in a whole new way, bringing a deeper meaning to the rest of the song. It wasn’t until I got to the bridge that I realized that this was much more than just a fun, upbeat Christmas song that children would love to sing; “Born to Bring Us Joy” gives children to testify of Jesus Christ.
“Like the angels and the star
That testified that night,
I will sing, and I will shine
So all can come to Christ.”
Chills.
Sometimes my life and the good I try to do with it feel insignificant—like I am one teeny speck of a star in a sky full of millions, one simple voice in a world filled with noise and distractions. But then I realized that if God could announce the birth of his precious Son with the light of a single star in the night sky and the voices of individual angels willing to share the gifts He has given, there is no limit to the ways He can work through His imperfect children as we seek to become instruments in His masterful hands. When we strive to spread the light love of Jesus Christ and the good news of His glorious gospel, I testify that He will magnify our efforts and make ways where mountains once stood.
Jesus truly does bring JOY to the world.
Thank you for sharing the story behind this amazing song! Our ward choir and Primary sang it together last year and it was so, so good. While reading your experience with the bridge of the song, I totally got chills and then I scrolled and read your next line: “Chills.” The Spirit is so consistent!! Thank you for letting your (rather large speck of ) light shine!
I taught this song to my small Primary last Christmas. They LOVED it - most especially my 8 year old daughter with complex medical needs and multiple disabilities loved it and sang along as best she could. She passed away unexpectedly just after Thanksgiving and our Primary sang this song at her funeral. It was the perfect song to bring all of us joy and peace and comfort during that time of grief and pain - the perfect reminder of why He came - to bring us joy by making right all the sorrow and grief of mortality. It will always rank among my family's favorite Christmas carols.