The first song ever played over a radio broadcast was a performance of O Holy Night on violin in 1906. Written by a French wine commissioner and put to music by a famous opera composer, it’s popularity in France led to translations into various languages. Our English version dates back to 1861.

Biblical themes infuse O Holy Night. Shepherds watch the skies on the night of Jesus’s birth. Our world suffers under the sin of Adam. The birth of Jesus underscores the overwhelming worth of our souls. God so loved the world—the souls of men and women—that he gave his only son. A proper response? The same as the shepherds—fall on our knees. A new and glorious day has appeared.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

In the third verse the author wrote of love, peace, and freedom. These lines fueled abolitionists in Europe and America, pointing out the need to break the chains of oppression and release the slaves in their midst. As you might guess, this song was much more popular in the Northern parts of the United States during the Civil War than in the South.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Today we live in a weary world. Oppressions plagues many, be it poor health or mental anguish or loneliness or addiction. We all need hope. As this carol reminds us, that hope has arrived. Step out into a dark and quiet evening and look up at the stars. Ask the Lord to meet you there. Listen for echoes of that divine night, of angel’s voices, and feel the thrill of hope rise in your heart.

Luke 2:8-20

Photo by Klemen Vrankar

As we wait for Christmas day to arrive, we join saints from the past twelve hundred years when we sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Written in Latin, the carol originated in European monasteries in the 900s. It was sung in anticipation of Christmas Eve, just as we do today.

The song references an Old Testament prophecy of the birth of a Savior: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew explained in his gospel how the birth of Jesus satisfied that bold prediction: All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

The carol goes on the use several titles for Jesus, including the Rod of Jesse, the Key of David, and the Lord of Might, referencing God’s majesty when delivering the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. Steeped in Old Testament imagery, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel bridges the desire of ancient Israel with the reality of the new born King.

As the song says, Jesus frees us from Satan’s tyranny, puts death’s dark shadows to flight, and opens wide our heavenly home. Today we sing, we pray, and we rejoice that Emmanuel—God with us—has indeed come.

Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:22-23

Photo by David Beale

One of my favorite Christmas carols is God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. Note the placement of the comma. The words don’t encourage cheerful gentlemen to rest, but rather means may God grant you the peace and joy found in Jesus Christ.

The song derives from Luke chapter 2:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

This carol dates back to the 1600’s, with the original author unknown. The version we sing grew to popularity in 19th century England. It’s been around a long time, and it’s message still rings true:

God rest ye merry Gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Was born upon this Day.
To save poor souls from Satan’s power,
Which long time had gone astray.
Which brings tidings of comfort and joy.

Echoing the angel’s words to shepherds on a lonely hillside, it calls to mind the ramifications of that birth on Christmas day. More than an infant, more than teacher, more than an icon—the Savior of the world arrived. Best of all, as the song has pointed out to gentlemen and gentlewomen for hundreds of years, the Savior of you and me.

Here’s a version you might like. Close your eyes, shake off your fears and enjoy tidings of comfort and joy.

Luke 2

Photo by Alexandra Marta

In a psalm traditionally attributed to King David, the writer encouraged his readers to Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! I don’t know what a joyful noise sounds like to you, but here David speaks of exuberant singing, a mass choir praising the God of Heaven.

Years later a teenager named Issac Watts complained about the dull, listless music at church, so his father challenged him to do better. As a response he began writing hymns, including Joy to the World, the most popular Christmas carol today.

What does a joyful noise sound like? We can literally experience David’s words by joining in with our congregations and belting out the words to Joy to the World. It’s not meant to be whispered, but shouted from the rooftops. When it comes on the radio, roll your windows down and share it with the world.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
𝄆 And heaven and nature sing, 𝄇
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Here’s a version you will enjoy, one of which Issac Watts would surely approve (not dull at all), and yields a foreshadowing of the choirs of heaven during this Christmas season.

Psalm 98:9

Photo by Chris Gresham-Britt