Rice was born in Washington DC, and has been a resident of Franklin and Nashville TN since his early twenties.
From his official website: "In 1996 he signed with a record label (Rocketown Records) as their first artist. After four plus albums and a few handfuls of Christian radio hit singles, he moved to an indie label (Eb+Flo) started by his producer and long time friend Monroe Jones. This new label relationship helped him expand his musical reach into more mainstream pop radio, especially with his light-hearted love songs 'When Did You Fall (In Love With Me)' and 'Lemonade,' still heard in Home Depots, Toys-R-Uses, restaurant bathrooms, airports and shopping malls around the country."
In June 2022, Tates Creek Presbyterian Church released a report on allegations of past sexual misconduct by Rice after commencing an investigation in October 2020.
Joy To The World
Chris Rice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
The song "Joy to the World" is an uplifting Christmas hymn that conveys the good news that the Lord has arrived. The first stanza speaks of the King's arrival and encourages the earth to welcome Him in. The lyric "let every heart prepare Him room" urges listeners and readers to be mindful of their hearts and prepare them to embrace the King. The stanza repeats the line "And Heaven and nature sing" to emphasize that this is a momentous occasion and that even the natural world is rejoicing.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the Savior, who begins to reign. It urges all to join in the celebration and make use of their songs. The line "Repeat the sounding joy" is repeated three times to create a sense of jubilation and exclamation. The third stanza speaks to the power of the King's arrival. The lyric "No more let sins and sorrows grow" expresses the hope that with the coming of the King, the condition of the world will improve. The arrival of the King is seen as a means of making blessings flow and eradicating the curse. The final stanza declares that the King brings righteousness and love to the world, highlighting that the arrival of the King is not just about power, but also the moral guidance he offers.
Overall, "Joy to the World" is an uplifting hymn that celebrates the arrival of the King and hopes that the world becomes a better place as a result. It encourages listeners to embrace the King and his message and be aware that his arrival is cause for celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let there be joy throughout the world as the Lord has arrived!
Let earth receive her King;
May the Earth welcome its King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
May each heart make space for Him to enter!
And Heaven and nature sing,
May songs of joy fill Heaven and nature!
And Heaven and nature sing,
Let there be even more songs of joy in Heaven and nature!
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
All of Heaven and nature sings with joy!
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let there be joy throughout the world as the Savior takes His place of power!
Let men their songs employ;
Let all men sing out in praise and joy!
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
May even the most natural parts of the world join in on this celebration!
Repeat the sounding joy,
May joyous celebration be repeated over and over!
Repeat the sounding joy,
May this celebration of joy be repeated over and over still!
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
The celebration of joy will go on for a long time!
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
May the growth of sins and sorrows come to an end!
Nor thorns infest the ground;
May the ground be free of thorns!
He comes to make His blessings flow
His arrival brings a flow of blessings!
Far as the curse is found,
These blessings will reach as far as the curse has spread!
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
The blessings will go to even the farthest reaches of the curse!
He rules the world with truth and grace,
He rules the world with both truth and grace!
And makes the nations prove
He makes nations demonstrate their faith!
The glories of His righteousness,
May the gloriousness of His righteousness shine through!
And wonders of His love,
And everyone will be in awe over His love!
And wonders of His love,
May they continue to be amazed by His love!
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
His love is full of wonder and amazement!
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, FRED BOCK MUSIC CO.,INC.
Written by: Isaac Watts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Анастасия Руденко
Добро пожаловать, Христос!
01.10.2016 поэтический перевод песни (Александр Банман)
Истомились: СлОва Бога
Заждались в долине слёз…
Встретим радостно Святого, –
Нам рождён Христос!
К нам входи, Христос!
Жаль, убоги ясли наши –
В Небесах Твой славный дом…
Но с Тобою сердце краше –
Будь как дома в нём.
Будь как дома в нём.
Принеси нам мир Твой дивный,
Хлеб Твой алчущим раздай, –
Слово жизни людям ныне
Открывает рай,
Посетив наш край…
В хрупких пальчиках – спасенье;
Ждёт невинный лобик тёрн;
Кровь прольётся в очищенье,
Чтоб был мир прощён…
Ты для нас рождён!
Так, живи же в нашем теле,
В мире странником святым,
Нас очисть, святыми сделай,
Кроткий Божий Сын!
Чудный Божий Сын!
К нам входи!..
Аминь!
https://www.stihi.ru/2017/01/07/8312
Tina Zientarski
This is the most beautiful Christmas song and it makes me weep. Chris Rice is amazing and He truly glorifies our Lord. God Bless Him!
Alyssa Dethlefson
Agreed
Lorraine Barrett
He is our only hope!!
Man Of God
Amen, this makes me weep because of how much he loves us. From baby to man, sinless and pure. Unto us is born 🙏
Mary K Smith
I cannot get enough of this song because of its TRUTH-LADEN lyrics! Thank you, Chris!
LeeAnne in SC
This was my favorite Christmas song. I was devastated by the recent revelations involving Chris Rice. I didn’t think I could enjoy the song ever again. But, now I find it reminds me of the true nature of what Christ came to rescue us from. He didn’t only come to save moderate sinners, those who have never done anything all that bad. He took on flesh to save every sin of the flesh. Every. Sin. I listen to this song now and pray God helps me recognize the true dark depths from which He drew me.
Chuck Brown
I hadn't heard the stuff about Chris. Seems credible enough. Either way, though...the song is a perfect encapsulation of the gospel for me. And I know my own wretchedness. I am not eager to dismiss others because of theirs. I hope that Chris finds repentance and healing, as well as others who may have suffered.
iDream NMakeup
I sing this song almost every year for the Christmas program at church! I love this!
Anthony Broadnax
Bless you. Hope you sing it simply - that’s the beauty of this song. Heard so many “over sung” versions. I keep coming back to this one. CR is a great songwriter.
HeStill HateMe
Simply a Masterpiece and should go down as one of the greatest songs of faith ever written.