Introducing new songs at Christmas time is like pushing honey uphill with a fork. Traditional carols only get sung around this time of year and everyone wants to sing them. Musicians and singers might want to try something new, but everyone else is seeking out the comfort of something old.
So anything new better be pretty good lyrically and musically easy to pick up.
When Love Came Down To Earth, a Stuart Townend composition, is not as popular as its companion piece, Joy Has Dawned, penned by Townend with Keith Getty, but has an affecting charm.
When Love Came Down has a very gentle structure which includes an etherial chorus refrain between the verses. You’ll notice that, apart from referencing the reality and purpose of the incarnation, the song makes no specific reference to the Christmas narratives, instead utilising thematic elements from Scripture to share a Gospel invitation. It’s very helpful to link observance of the incarnation event with its redemptive purpose. This song does that well.
The lyrics, from Kingsway, where sheet music and other resources can be purchased:
1.
When love came down to earth
And made His home with men,
The hopeless found a hope,
The sinner found a friend.
Not to the powerful
But to the poor He came,
And humble, hungry hearts
Were satisfied again.
Refrain:
What joy, what peace has come to us!
What hope, what help, what love!
2.
When every unclean thought,
And every sinful deed
Was scourged upon His back
And hammered through His feet.
The Innocent is cursed,
The guilty are released;
The punishment of God
On God has brought me peace.
3.
Come lay your heavy load
Down at the Master’s feet;
Your shame will be removed,
Your joy will be complete.
Come crucify your pride,
And enter as a child;
For those who bow down low
He’ll lift up to His side.
Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music
Here’s a rendition by the Bob Jones University Soundforth Singers
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