We Three Kings (alternate version) (arr. Mark Hayes)
Continuing with the theme of the magi bringing gifts and coming to worship the newborn King, an alternate version of We Three Kings (lyrics found on Twelfth Night’s posting).
Lo! He Comes with Clouds DescendingFrom the blue Hymnal 1982, this hymn celebrates the first advent of Christ and highlights exactly what that accomplished for us, but it also points us forward, looking towards His second coming with the same hope and expectation of the faithful that looked for His first coming. The last stanza summarizes our prayer as we move from the season of Christmastide into a new year: “Yea, amen! let all adore Thee . . . claim the kingdom for Thine own. O come quickly, O come quickly; alleluia! come, Lord, come.“
Lo! He comes with clouds descending, once for favored sinners slain; thousand, thousand saints attending swell the triumph of His train. Alleluia! Alleluia! God appears on earth to reign.
Ev’ry eye shall now behold Him, robed in dreadful majesty; those who set at naught and sold Him, pierced, and nailed Him to the tree, deeply wailing, deeply wailing, shall the true Messiah see.
The dear tokens of His passion Still His dazzling body bears; Cause of endless exultation To His ransomed worshippers; With what rapture, with what rapture, With what rapture Gaze we on those glorious scars!
Yea, amen! let all adore Thee, high on thine eternal throne; Savior, take the pow’r and glory, claim the kingdom for Thine own. O come quickly, O come quickly; alleluia! come, Lord, come.
Three gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) were brought to Jesus, but we are not told in the Bible how many visitors came. We also do not know if the magi were kings, and it has been posited that they were dream interpreters, those interested in magic, and/or astrologers from Persia (Zoroastrian astrology was common there), Babylonia (which would have had the most contact with Israel and Jewish scriptures) or Arabia. The star fulfilled Jewish prophecy of a coming Messiah, and the magi came to worship who they realized was truly the Messiah and King to which the star led them. Scripture condemned astrology and the dark arts, so when Matthew speaks of the magi coming, he is telling us that they were sinners – that Gentile sinners were coming to pay homage to the King of kings. In sum, pagan astrologers and sorcerers had been transformed to come worship the true God, even through pagan manners, all fulfilling prophecy, and displaying that Christ came to all people in all nations and for sinners.
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star will arise out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab. – Numbers 24:17
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar . . . The wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. – Isaiah 60:3-6
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. – Matthew 2:9-11
We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, voices raising, worshiping God on high.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice: Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies.
A French tune accompanies the lyrics written by an Englishman who had a great interest in bell-ringing. The carol reminds all that both heaven and earth sings praises to the newborn King in celebration for the darkness had been scattered as the Light of the world had come, bringing hope and redemption.
Ding dong! Merrily on high In heav’n the bells are ringing: Ding dong! verily the sky Is riv’n with angel-singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E’en so here below, below, Let steeple bells be swungen, And io, io, io, By priest and people sungen:
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rhyme Your e’entime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
This English carol was written by a poet who was also an Anglican bishop to Calcutta, and it was to be sung leading up to Epiphany. The images of brightness, star, and morning remind us of the magi who traveled to see the infant King. The poet juxtaposes the humble estate of Jesus as a baby with the reality that angels adore Him and that He came to be the Saviour of all. The poet poses the question what we have to offer the King and then answers it with the truth that we have nothing to offer Him but our praise.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid; Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining; Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall. Angels adore Him in slumber reclining, Maker and Monarch and Savior of all.
Shall we not yield Him, in costly devotion Odors of Edom and offerings divine, Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation, Vainly with gifts would His favor secure. Richer by far is the heart’s adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid; Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (alternate version) (arr. Jeff Atmajian)
The original meaning of this English song is “God make you strong, gentlemen.” The angels were telling the shepherds not to fear, for no longer would mankind need fear the justice of God, for God’s justice would be fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificial death. Instead, it was a time of rejoicing, for God and man would be reconciled again through this baby born in a nondescript manger in a nondescript town.
God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray;
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heav’nly Father, a blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name.
“Fear not, then,” said the angel, “let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.”
The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding, in tempest, storm, and wind, and went to Bethlehem straightway, the Son of God to find.
This American spiritual, written in 1891, reminds us that it is Christ we are to follow, and with commitment.
-After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. – Luke 5:27-28
There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn; Rise up, shepherd, and follow; It will lead to the place where the Christ was born; Rise up, shepherd and follow.
Follow, follow; Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Follow the Star of Bethlehem; Rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Leave your sheep, leave your sheep, and leave your lambs; Rise up, shepherd, and follow; Leave your ewes and your rams, leave your ewes and rams; Rise up, shepherd and follow.
If you take good heed to the angel’s words; Rise up, shepherd, and follow; You’ll forget your flocks, you’ll forget your herds; Rise up, shepherd and follow.
O Little Town of Bethlehem (alternate version) (arr. Mark Hayes)
This carol was first penned as a children’s poem and speaks of the “hopes and fears of all the years” – the hope in the garden of Eden from Genesis 3:15 that God would send a Redeemer from Eve’s seed to crush the serpent’s head, this hope that continues throughout the whole of the Old Testament and told again and again by God to the people. The fear that the people would forever be cast out of God’s presence once Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden because of their (our) sin was finally to be gone, for Christ had condescended to us as a baby, grew into a man that took on the burden of all mankind, and atoned for the sins of all who confess His name.
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night.
For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth!
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His Heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray! Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!
For Unto Us A Child Is Born, from Handel’s Messiah, takes its text straight from Isaiah. The darkness of sin has been replaced by hope in the alleviation of that sin by the Messiah, born in a manger. As is written in Isaiah 9, “the people walking in darkness hath seen a great light.” The long awaited Redeemer has come!
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
“God Make You Strong, Gentlemen,” is the intended meaning of this English carol. “Rest” was intended to mean “make” in 18th century England and “merry men” were strong men. The lyrics were to reflect that Christ’s incarnation was not something to be fearful of (“Fear not,” the angel said), but it was good news, and the word was the same word for “good news” that was used in association with God’s covenants with Abraham, Moses and David, His promise to save sinners, and His gospel promise in Genesis 3:15 that the seed of the woman (Jesus) would crush the head of Satan. And so the carol goes: “to save us all from Satan’s power.” This good news was/is for all people and was realized in Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection, and is enough to make us strong and no longer fearful.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. – Luke 2:8-20
God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray;
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heav’nly Father, a blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name.
“Fear not, then,” said the angel, “let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.”
The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding, in tempest, storm, and wind, and went to Bethlehem straightway, the Son of God to find.
O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) (arr. Mark Hayes)
O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) was originally written in Latin and dates back to the 1700s. While the song invites one and all to go adore Christ in Bethlehem, it also echoes the Nicene Creed, a creed created by the early church in 325 that most Christian churches agree upon today in “true God from true God,” the description of God’s incarnation, and that He was begotten, not created. We sing with the angels in praising God in stanza three.
Adeste fideles læti triumphantes, venite, venite in Bethlehem natum videte regem angelorum. Venite adoremus, venite adoremus, venite adoremus, Dominum.
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the king of angels.
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
True God of true God, Light of light eternal, our lowly nature he hath not abhorred; born of a woman, here in flesh appearing.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above: “Glory to God, all glory in the highest!”
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, begotten, not created.
Christmas Medley: A Noel Celebration: Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night, and Joy to the World (arr. Jeff Atmajian)
In celebration of Christ’s birth and a retelling of Luke 2, Angels We Have Heard on High is what the shepherds saw and felt – that angels proclaimed the birth of a Saviour and sang Gloria, and the reason for the shepherds excitement – that Christ had been born. Silent Night continues the theme painting the picture of what the shepherds saw that night and the awe of the shining love of God. Joy to the World traces redemption through history from the promise in Genesis 3 to Christ’s glorious return. Gloria!
Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. – Psalm 98:1
Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains
Angels we have heard on high Sweetly, sweetly through the night And the mountains in reply Echoing their brief delight
Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing, Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo Gloria, in excelsis Deo
See within a manger laid Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth! Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, sing with us our Savior’s birth.
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Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth! Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
Silent Night! Holy Night! Wondrous star, lend thy light. With the angels let us sing, ‘Alleluia!’ to our King. Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive its King; let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ 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.
Silent Night (Stille Nacht), an Austrian carol, was first written for guitar and sung in a Salzburg church Christmas Eve service in 1818. It paints the picture of the sovereign, Holy Spirit-empowered miraculous birth of Jesus to a virgin and tells of the shepherds and the star and the Angel Gabriel speaking to them with the host of angels coming to sing Alleluia on that holy night. It tells of glories streaming from afar as the herald angels sing “Gloria in excelcis Deo!” to glorify God. And the poetry tells of the most shining love that God has for humanity that He would send His only Son – a perfect, righteous, holy One – to take a lowly place on earth , suffer and experience pain and death, all in order to bring salvation to us because He loves us that much. And so the poetry of “Love’s pure light” beaming from Christ’s face that night in a cattle stall is fitting. And so we are brought to sing “Alleluia” with the angels to our King in the last stanza. This carol has the distinction of being a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins. – Matthew 1:18-25
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth! Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
Silent Night! Holy Night! Wondrous star, lend thy light. With the angels let us sing, ‘Alleluia!’ to our King. Christ the Saviour is born! Christ the Saviour is born!
Medley: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly and Away in a Manger (arr. Mark Hayes)
The 13th century Polish carol, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, while telling of the righteous Christ lowering Himself to become a baby in a manger and of the shepherds in the fields, summarizes the Christmas story: that Christ the child, who grew into the man who took on our sorrows and sins, is Lord of all and was born for our salvation. Away in a Manger continues with the theme that God was born in human flesh and humbled HImself, though He is God of the universe, the great I AM that speaks things into existence, and the great defender of Zion, to be a human baby – that does all things human except sin – in order to suffer, die, and be resurrected again all for our salvation.
Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the babe is Lord of all. Swiftly winging angels singing, bells are ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the babe is Lord of all! Christ the babe is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping; shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the babe was born for you! Christ the babe was born for you!
Away in a manager, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.
Still, Still, Still is an Austrian Christmas carol and lullaby originating from Salzburg. The lyrics remark on the King and Saviour – who rules nations and to whom all glory and honor and dominion is due – being a babe who waits on His earthly mother to tend to Him and aid Him.
Still, still, still. The night is cold and chill! The virgin’s tender arms enfolding, Warm and safe the Christ child holding. Still, still, still, The night is cold and chill.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf. Mein liebes Kindlein, schlaf. Die Engel tun schön musizieren, Bei dem Kindlein jubilieren, Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf, Mein liebes Kindlein, schlaf!
Dream, dream, dream. He sleeps, the Savior King. While guardian angels watch beside Him, Mary tenderly will guide Him. Dream, dream, dream. He sleeps, the Savior King.
Coventry Carol (alternate version) (arr. Mark Hayes)
This English lullaby carol was performed in a play set with the backdrop of Jesus being born in a time when King Herod was killing all males children under two years old. Three mothers sang this song to Jesus, knowing that they must preserve Him for in Him was the peace for which the world had been hoping and waiting.
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay. Thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we sing, “Bye bye, lully, lullay?”
Herod the king, in his raging, Chargèd he hath this day His men of might in his own sight All young children to slay.
That woe is me, poor child, for thee And ever mourn and may For thy parting neither say nor sing, “Bye bye, lully, lullay.”
Gesu Bambino is an Italian Christmas carol and based on Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful). The poetry takes slight license setting snow in Bethlehem, but the carol speaks to heaven and earth and all of creation rejoicing at the birth of the long-expected Saviour, remarks on the humility of Christ that He would humble Himself to come to earth to dwell with us, Emmanuel, and ends in bringing praise before Him.
When blossoms flowered ‘mid the snows Upon a winter night, Was born the Child, the Christmas Rose, The King of Love and Light.
The angels sang, the shepherds sang, The grateful earth rejoiced; And at His blessed birth the stars Their exultation voiced.
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Again the heart with rapture glows To greet the holy night, That gave the world its Christmas Rose, Its King of Love and Light.
Let ev’ry voice acclaim His name, The grateful chorus swell. From paradise to earth He came That we with Him might dwell.
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Rejoice in Song: He Is Born (Il est né, le divin Enfant) with Pat-A-Pan (arr. Mark Hayes)
These French carols are sung in revelry at the birth of Christ Jesus, of whose birth had long been foretold. He is Born details the 4000 year wait for a Saviour that had been told long before, and the rejoicing that He had finally come, just as the prophets had told. The singer remarks on the humility of the King of Kings, that He would lower Himself to be born in a cattle stall, straw and hay as bedding, in order to redeem the people. The singer also remarks on the divinity of Christ and that He, though a little baby like you or I, is fully God with might and power, and that only He had the power to reconcile God and man. Pat-A-Pan picks up this theme when we sing, “God and man today become closely joined as flute and drum.” Christ came as the Mediator who restored union between God and man by taking on our sin and serving as the sacrificial Lamb. Pat-A-Pan is the sound to mimic the drum of the singer in celebration!
He is born, the Heav’nly Child, Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding. He is born, the Heav’nly Child, Let all sing His nativity.
‘Tis four thousand years and more, Prophets have foretold His coming. ‘Tis four thousand years and more, Have we waited this happy hour.
Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair, What perfection is His graces. Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair, Child divine, so gentle there.
In a stable lodged is He, Straw is all He has for cradle. In a stable lodged is He, Oh how great humility!
Jesus Lord, O King with power, Though a little babe You come here. Jesus Lord, O King with power, Rule o’er us from this glad hour.
Willie, get your little drum, Robin, bring your flute and come. Aren’t they fun to play upon? Tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-pan; When you play your fife and drum, How can anyone be glum?
When the men of olden days Gave the King of Kings their praise, They had pipes to play upon. Tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-pan; And also the drums they’d play, Full of joy, on Christmas Day.
God and man today become Closely joined as flute and drum. Let the joyous tune play on! Tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-pan; As the instruments you play, We will sing, this Christmas Day.
European Christmas Medley: O Come Little Children and Rocking Carol (arr. Mark Hayes)
O Come Little Children is the English translation of the German children’s carol, Ihr Kinderlein, Kommet, and tells the story of Christ’s birth as Redeemer to young tots. Rocking Carol is a Czech carol lullaby to Jesus. Together, these songs are used to teach young children about the wonder of Christ’s birth and His purpose to redeem them.
O come, little children, O come, one and all. To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small. God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this day. To be your Redeemer, your joy and delight.
The hay is His pillow, the manger His bed The beasts stand in wonder to gaze on His head Yet there where He lieth, so weak and so poor Come shepherds and wise men to kneel at His door
He’s born in a stable for you and for me, Draw near by the bright gleaming starlight to see, In swaddling clothes lying so meek and so mild, And purer than angels the heavenly child.
See Mary and Joseph with love beaming eyes Are gazing upon the rude bed where He lies, The shepherds are kneeling, with hearts full of love, While angels sing loud hallelujahs above.
Kneel down and adore Him with shepherds today, Lift up little hands now and praise Him as they; Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast, And join in the song of the heavenly host.
Now “Glory to God!” sing the angels on high. And “Peace upon Earth!” heavenly voices reply. Then come little children, and join in the day That gladdened the world on that first Christmas Day.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. – Isaiah 9:6,7
The Christ child was clearly no ordinary child, for this Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes would be the fulfillment of all of the promises God had made to His people. Though a baby, He would ultimately carry the weight of the world on His shoulders and bring redemption.
What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Medley: Away in a Manger, Normandy Carol, and Cradle Song (arr. Mark Hayes)
And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:5-8
Away in a Manger is a late nineteenth century American children’s carol and the words are occasionally sung to the tunes of Normandy Carol or Cradle Song and so this arrangement juxtaposes the three together. But other times, Normandy Carol is sung with alternate words, listed below, also reflecting on the same theme as Away in a Manger. That theme of both lyrics is, of course, the birth of Jesus and His humility to be born in a lowly cattle stall. But there is more to the theme of these three cradle songs. We see the reality of God taking on human flesh. The Creator of the universe – Who created the heavens and the earth, Who speaks things into being, Who sustains things by the power of His word, full of glory and might – was lying asleep in a manger stall, hay poking into His sides, in Bethlehem, which was just a hill town with shepherds and olives trees and fields in what was considered nowhere. And He was just as much a baby as each of us were with little hands and a little nose and perhaps some hair already. This is extraordinary because He can relate to us, but is also an incredible thought that the God of glory would become poor for our sake, born in a stable, dependent upon a human woman to nurse Him and change Him. Because He was as human as all of us, He did human things except sin, so we overlook the lyrics of “no crying He makes” as poetry but not scriptural. He certainly cried. We read in the Bible that He wept (“Oh Jerusalem! Jerusalem!” and the Bible says He wept [literally the Greek says “raged”] when His very close friend Lazarus died). The third stanza now is sung to the ascended Lord Jesus who was a baby, grew into a man, suffered on the cross for our sins, died, and was resurrected, having made us “fit for heaven” as the carol says, by His taking on our sins.
Away in a manager, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.
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When wise men came seeking for Jesus from far, With rich gifts to greet Him and led by a star, They found in a stable the Savior of men, A manger His cradle, so poor was He then.
Though laid in a manger, He came from a throne, On earth though a stranger, in Heaven He was known. How lowly, how gracious His coming to earth! His love my love kindles to joy in His birth.
This jubilatory French carol (Noël Nouvelet) tells the story of Christ’s birth and describes the scene painted in Matthew 2 and Luke 2 with the visiting wise men, the angels and the shepherds. We are reminded that both heaven (angels) and earth (shepherds) rejoiced together at the birth of the Saviour Who had long been expected and anticipated, and the prophecies fulfilled by the wise men coming to see Jesus. But ultimately, we are reminded of the joy that the world felt when finally their Redeemer had been born in human flesh to be with them.
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the Babe so dear.
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
Angels called to shepherds, “Leave your flocks at rest, journey forth to Bethlehem, find the Lambkin blest.”
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
In Bethlehem they found Him; Joseph and Mary mild, seated by the manger, watching the holy Child.
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
From the eastern country came the kings afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem guided by a star.
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
Gold and myrrh they took there, gifts of greatest price; there was ne’er a place on earth so like paradise.
Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
This Victorian tune and Irish carol was written for children to help them understand the catechism, published in “Hymns for Little Children.” It has been the processional carol that commences the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge every year since 1918, always started off a capella (without accompaniment) by a single boy soprano, and the boy never knows that he will be the one chosen to sing it until just minutes before the BBC broadcast begins when millions around the world listen in. The first stanza resembles a Sunday school lesson told to young children, but yet declares the fullness of Jesus’s deity and eternal nature. In the second stanza, we see the humility of Christ who, God in human flesh, was born in a stable, His throne at the time a livestock trough. Though the writer cautions Christian children to be good as He, we ought to be thankful that Christ came because none of us can be as good as He and are not, and it is His righteousness, not ours, and our trust in that, that gains us entrance into Heaven. The last two stanzas point the eyes of all of us children to look to Christ in hope and expectation that this world is not the goal, but the world to come is. We are reminded of Jesus’s words in John wherein He tells the disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them, and we are reminded here of the greatness of that final day. The hymn takes us from Christ’s coming from heaven in lowliness and poverty to meditating on the coming of His return, sitting at the right hand of God, and as King as the universe.
Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for His bed; Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.
He came down to earth from heaven who is God and Lord of all, And His shelter was a stable, and His cradle was a stall: With the poor, and mean, and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.
And through all His wondrous childhood He would honor and obey, Love and watch the lowly maiden in whose gentle arms He lay: Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as He.
For He is our childhood pattern, day by day like us He grew. He was little, weak and helpless; tears and smiles, like us, He knew. And He feeleth for our sadness, and He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see him, through His own redeeming love; For that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heav’n above, And He leads His children on to the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable, with the oxen standing by, We shall see Him, but in heaven, set at God’s right hand on high; When like stars His children crowned all in white shall wait around.
Medley: The Coventry Carol and The First Nowell (arr. Mark Hayes)
The Coventry Carol, an English carol from the 16th century, is set in the “Massacre of the Innocents” described in Matthew 2 wherein Herod, known as the King of the Jews (for he, a Roman, ruled over them), had learned that a new King of the Jews was to be born that would threaten his title, so killed all male children under age two. This song was originally sung in a play – mothers singing to Jesus – knowing that He must be “preserved” because in Him, He would ultimately bring preservation, restoration, and reconciliation for all mankind. The celebration that marks His birth and what He had come to accomplish as the Messiah is described in The First Nowell, another English carol.
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” – Matthew 2:16-18
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay. Thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we sing, “Bye bye, lully, lullay?”
Herod the king, in his raging, Chargèd he hath this day His men of might in his own sight All young children to slay.
That woe is me, poor child, for thee And ever mourn and may For thy parting neither say nor sing, “Bye bye, lully, lullay.”
The first “Nowell” the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star Three wise men came from country far; To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
This star drew nigh to the northwest: O’er Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
Then did they know assuredly Within that house the King did lie; One entered in then for to see, And found the Babe in poverty.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
Then entered in those wise men three, Full rev’rently upon their knee, And offered there, in his presence, Their gold and myrrh, and frankincense.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
Between an ox-stall and an ass This Child there truly bornèd was; For want of clothing they did him lay All in the manger, among the hay.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made heaven and earth of nought, And with His blood mankind hath bought.
Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
Medley: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (alternate version) and O Come, O Come Emmanuel (alternate version) (arr. Mark Hayes)
“The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” – Habakkuk 2:20
“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”” – Isaiah 6:1-7
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” – Revelation 1:17
“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – Revelation 1:6
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
The lyrics to Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence date back to the 4th century, thought to have been written by James, the half-brother of Jesus, and the music dates to the 1600s. Though a French folk carol, the music reaches back to a plainsong chant. The carol focuses on the birth of Christ, standing in honor and respect, holy fear and trembling, and awe at the very act of the incarnation. “That the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away” ties Christ’s incarnation to the work of redemption that Jesus Christ was going to accomplish for us. In the last stanza, we join the host of heaven who worship Him, and when we sing this, we are reaching back with the saints of the 4th century, the 17th century, and the angels and cherubim and seraphim, all singing together in worship of the One who humbled Himself and came as a baby but reigns as our good King Who has conquered death for us and has secured for us life. In keeping with the theme of Christ’s coming (or “advent”), O Come O Come Emmanuel was the song of those looking for, anticipating, waiting and watching for their Redeemer to come, and He did so as a baby in Bethlehem that night. But when we sing the song, we, too, sing it in anticipation of, watching and waiting and looking for His return. Though we already benefit from the blessings of His first advent, the final accomplishment in the “not yet” will be realized that day.
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.
King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth He stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood, He will give to all the faithful His own self for heav’nly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the pow’rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
At His feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim, with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, “Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High!”
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Adonai, Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times didst give the law In cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
The Wexford Carol (alternate version) (arr. Mark Hayes)
The Wexford Carol, an Irish tune dating from the 12th century, is one of the oldest extant Christmas carols in the European tradition. Though the tune was Irish originating in Wexford, the lyrics are thought to be of English origin. The carol emphasizes the purpose of Jesus’s coming to earth and the implications of that. The carol tells the Christmas story from God’s gift of sending Christ to Christ’s birth to a virgin, the journey of Joseph and Mary to find a place where Jesus would be born which fulfilled prophecy in the place and type, the arrival of the gifts of the magi led by the star of Bethlehem (note: the Bible does not specifically mention the number of magi), and the annunciation from the angels to the shepherds, telling them that very day, their Messiah they had long awaited was born. (For further reading: Luke 1 and 2, Matthew 1 and 2.)
Good people all, this Christmas-time, Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done, In sending His beloved Son. And Mary, mother, she did pray To God with love that Christmas Day; In Bethlehem upon that morn There was a blessed Messiah born.
The night before that happy tide The blessed virgin and her guide Were long time seeking up and down To find a lodging in the town. But mark how all things came to pass; From every door repelled alas! As long foretold, their refuge all Was but an humble ox’s stall.
There were three wise men from afar Directed by a glorious star, And on they wandered night and day Until they came where Jesus lay, And when they came unto that place Where our beloved Messiah was, They humbly cast them at his feet, With gifts of gold and incense sweet.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep; To whom God’s angels did appear, Which put the shepherds in great fear. “Prepare and go,” the angels said, “To Bethlehem, be not afraid; For there you’ll find, this happy morn, A princely Babe, sweet Jesus born.”
With thankful heart and joyful mind, The shepherds went the Babe to find, And as God’s angel had foretold, They did our Saviour Christ behold. Within a manger He was laid, And by his side the Virgin Maid, As long foretold, there was a blessed Messiah born.
Medley: Of the Father’s Love Begotten (alternate version) and Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming (alternate version) (arr. Mark Hayes)
Of the Father’s Love Begotten tells of the story of redemption, touching on the Son’s eternal nature, creation, the fall, the virgin conception, of the prophecies of the Christ child, a chorus of praise to the Messiah, a warning of judgment if not trusting in Christ, an encouragement to sing praise, and a hymn to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lo! How A Rose E’er Blooming tells of the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus’s birth from His royal lineage to the place and circumstances of His birth, and finally remarks on His fully human (which makes Him sympathetic to and relatable to us and able to bear our judgment) and fully divine nature (who has the power to help us in our weakness and to reconcile us to the Father).
Of the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, Evermore and evermore!
At His Word the worlds were framèd; He commanded; it was done: Heaven and earth and depths of ocean In their threefold order one; All that grows beneath the shining Of the moon and burning sun, Evermore and evermore!
He is found in human fashion, Death and sorrow here to know, That the race of Adam’s children Doomed by law to endless woe, May not henceforth die and perish In the dreadful gulf below, Evermore and evermore!
O that birth forever blessed, When the virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bare the Saviour of our race; And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!
This is He Whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord; Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word; Now He shines, the long expected, Let creation praise its Lord, Evermore and evermore!
O ye heights of heaven adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing; Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King! Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert sing, Evermore and evermore!
Righteous judge of souls departed, Righteous King of them that live, On the Father’s throne exalted None in might with Thee may strive; Who at last in vengeance coming Sinners from Thy face shalt drive, Evermore and evermore!
Thee let old men, thee let young men, Thee let boys in chorus sing; Matrons, virgins, little maidens, With glad voices answering: Let their guileless songs re-echo, And the heart its music bring, Evermore and evermore!
Christ, to Thee with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee, Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, And unwearied praises be: Honour, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory, Evermore and evermore!
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Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night.
Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind. To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior, When half spent was the night.
The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright, How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night. To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him, As angel heralds said.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere; True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us, And lightens every load.
O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe, O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know; Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven, And to the endless day!
Similar to the musician, composer, and ethnomusicologist, Komitas, who traveled across even the most rural villages in Armenia to learn and capture the folk songs of the local villagers, the writer of I Wonder as I Wander was an American musician, songwriter, and ethnomusicologist who traveled through Appalachia in 1933 to collect the folk songs of the local townspeople. He heard a few lines of this song sung by a poor, young girl with unkempt, unwashed hair in ragged clothes who had been taught the song by her mother, who had learned it, handed down from her grandma. We can sing with the same confidence as this young girl that Jesus Christ did not come to this world to save those who rely on their fortune, their education, their class in society or even their charity and good works as their comfort. No; He came to save all who trust in Him, whether they have much or little education, whether they have great or little means, whether they have high or or little places in society, whether they are “good people” or not (for none of us are as good as Christ, and as good as God’s justice demands). Even “on’ry” people (it is unknown whether this was to be “ornery” (stubborn) or “ordinary” but both are appropriate) have been given the incredible gift of the God, the loving Father – so long as they remove all of their trust in themselves and their works to save them, and they place all of their trust for salvation in their elder Brother, Christ Jesus, who came in human flesh as a child and grew into a man Who bore the sins of the world, died and was resurrected, and as King, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. To stand in wonder, like this young girl and her mother, and her mother’s mother, that God would do this for “on’ry people like you and like I” is to sing the song of every Christian – that we deserve it not, but in His infinite love and grace, He has done so, and our response is none other than to strive to obey His commands and worship Him singing “Alleluia.”
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. – 1 Timothy 1:15
I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus the Savior did come for to die For poor on’ry people like you and like I; I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
When Mary birthed Jesus ’twas in a cow’s stall With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven, a star’s light did fall And the Promise of ages it then did recall.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing A star in the sky or a bird on the wing Or all of God’s Angels in heaven to sing He surely could have it, ’cause he was the King.
I wonder as I wander out under the sky How Jesus the Savior did come for to die For poor on’ry people like you and like I; I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” – Micah 5:2
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Originally penned as a Christmas poem for children, this carol helps both young and old to reflect on the “hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee to-night.” Since Genesis 3:15 when God promised the serpent that the offspring of Eve would conquer and crush Satan, and throughout the Old Testament when it was told again and again that He would send a Saviour to come redeem the people (such as in Micah and Isaiah quoted above), the people stood in hope and expectation that God would do as He said he would do, and awaited the coming (advent) of their Saviour. This – that this Redeemer would be the once and for all sacrificial Lamb (ending temple sacrifice) to redeem God’s people – is the hope described in this carol. The fear described in the carol was the fear that the people would be without the presence of God, cast out, exiled, forgotten, and rejected – because of their sin. But with the advent (arrival) of, perfect life, death, and resurrection of Christ, He overturned all of these fears. As Paul wrote, through Jesus, we have been so loved by God that nothing in creation can separate us from Him (Rom. 8:39). Matthew 6:33 assures us that our material needs will be met, and 1 Corinthians 15:54 confirms that Christ conquered death so that we no longer need fear it. The people who awaited the coming of a Saviour feared judgment before God, but in His grace, He sent Jesus to bear that judgment for us so that when we trust in His ability to reconcile us to God, He looks upon us as if we never sinned. All of our hopes and fears have been met in Christ. As for the final verse, the Bible makes clear that Christ’s coming and sacrifice paid the ransom for us once and for all, so He need not be reborn, nor need we be reborn in Him once we trust Him. The incarnation was a once for all event, and we have but glory to give in gratitude.
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee to-night.
For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth!
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His Heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray! Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!
The First Noel / Aujourd’hui Le Roi des Cieux (arr. Jeffrey Atmajian)
The French version of The First Noel focuses on the birth of Le Roi des Cieux (Jesus Christ – literally “the King of Heaven”). “Noel” was to mean “news” and Aujourd’hui Le Roi des Cieux carol is the first noel in that the words are the good news that the angel proclaimed – that the King of Heaven was born on earth to save the human race, free it from its bondage to sin, and bring humankind back into fellowship with God. Perhaps the best punctuation to this French version is the last stanza of the English version, The First Noel: “then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord that hath made heaven and earth of nought and with his blood mankind hath bought!”
Today the King of Heaven in the middle of the night Was born with us of the Virgin Mary To save the human race, to grasp it from sin, and Restore to the Lord His lost children.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Jesus is born, let us sing Noel!
In these parts during the night lived the shepherds Who kept their flocks in the field of Judea. Now, an angel of the Lord appeared in the skies And the glory of God shines around them.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Jesus is born, let us sing Noel!
The angel said, “Do not fear; be all joyful A Savior is born to you; it is Christ, your King. Nearby, you will find in the stable, layered and Wrapped up in swaddling, a newborn Child.
The Original French:
Aujourd’hui le Roi des Cieux au milieu de la nuit Voulut naître chez nous de la Vierge Marie Pour sauver le genre humain, l’arracher au péché Ramener au Seigneur ses enfants égarés.
Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël Jésus est né, chantons Noël !
En ces lieux durant la nuit demeuraient les bergers Qui gardaient leurs troupeaux dans les champs de Judée Or, un ange du Seigneur apparut dans les cieux Et la gloire de Dieu resplendit autour d’eux.
Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël Jésus est né, chantons Noël !
L’ange dit : « Ne craignez pas ; soyez tous dans la joie Un Sauveur vous est né, c’est le Christ, votre Roi Près d’ici, vous trouverez dans l’étable, couché D’un lange emmailloté, un enfant nouveau-né.
The poetry for this carol takes some license, setting Jesus’s birth in a frosty, windy scene, though we know He was born in a much warmer climate. Nonetheless, the world was cold and frozen to Him while on earth. The poem contrasts His humble birth with the glory He is due (a lowly stable, a breastful of mother’s milk, and nearby adoring animals looking on was enough for this King. God Himself, who cherubim worship, humbled Himself by taking on flesh as a small baby in order to accomplish that for which the Father sent Him: to take on the sins of the world to remove enmity between God and man, so that God looks upon us favorably with love and grace because of Jesus Christ’s atonement ). The poem ends recognizing that since He has shown infinite grace towards our guilt, we have but gratitude to give to Him.
In the bleak mid-winter Frosty wind made moan; Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak mid-winter Long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold Him Nor earth sustain, Heaven and earth shall flee away When He comes to reign: In the bleak mid-winter A stable-place sufficed The Lord God Almighty — Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim Worship night and day, A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels Fall down before, The ox and ass and camel Which adore.
Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air; But only His mother In her maiden bliss Worshipped the Beloved With a kiss.
What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man I would do my part, Yet what I can I give Him, Give my heart.
This carol was inspired by a short passage from Isaiah (One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?” The watchman says: “Morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; come back again”). Darkness of night represents danger, but the beautiful star that leads to Jesus, the Son of God who came to earth as a Babe, promises that underneath it, humanity will find hope and joy, blessedness and light, peace and truth in Him. Because Christ was sent to redeem us, the darkness that hung over us from our sin takes flight when we trust in Him, doubt and terror lose their power, for the Prince of Peace has come and has clothed us in His righteousness to satisfy God’s justice on our behalf.
Watchman, tell us of the night, What its signs of promise are. Traveler, o’er yon mountain’s height, See that glory beaming star. Watchman, does its beauteous ray Aught of joy or hope foretell? Traveler, yes—it brings the day, Promised day of Israel.
Watchman, tell us of the night; Higher yet that star ascends. Traveler, blessedness and light, Peace and truth its course portends. Watchman, will its beams alone Gild the spot that gave them birth? Traveler, ages are its own; See, it bursts o’er all the earth.
Watchman, tell us of the night, For the morning seems to dawn. Traveler, darkness takes its flight, Doubt and terror are withdrawn. Watchman, let thy wanderings cease; Hide thee to thy quiet home. Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace, Lo! the Son of God is come!
Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming (Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen) (arr. Mark Hayes)
This advent carol tells of Jesus’s royal genealogy, which bears importance because Jesus’s birth, perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection fulfilled all of the prophetic scripture that was written hundreds of years before Jesus’s birth, and his royal lineage is one such type of fulfillment. Isaiah wrote 700 years before Jesus’s birth: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. – Isaiah 11:1 The carol also affirms Christ’s fully divine and yet also fully human nature – the hypostatic union of Christ – which is significant to us because the justice of God requires that the same human nature that sinned must pay for the sin (therefore, be human), but he must be righteous because a sinner cannot pay for others (Heb 2:14, John 12:27, Heb 2:17-18), and yet he must be “true God from true God” (Nicene creed) so that He might bear God’s anger towards our sin and earn for us and restore to us righteousness and life, and only One who is divine can be raised from the dead to apply the benefits for us (1 Cor 15, 1 Tim 2, Heb 2, Rom 5).
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming From tender stem hath sprung! Of Jesse’s lineage coming As men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter When half-gone was the night.
Isaiah ’twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind: With Mary we behold it, The virgin mother kind. To show God’s love aright She bore to men a Saviour When half-gone was the night.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor The darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load.
This Divinum Mysterium plainsong chant dates back to the 12th century. The writer of the poetry was affirming the doctrine of the Trinity that the Church officially pronounced at the Council of Nicea in the fourth century, rejecting the teaching of Arius (who taught that Jesus was not the same divine nature as the Father), and creating the Nicene Creed – a creed to which virtually all Christian churches confess. When we sing this hymn, we proclaim with the Church Universal throughout the ages Christ’s fully divine nature.
Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!
O that birth forever blessed, when the Virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!
This is He whom heav’n-taught singers sang of old with one accord, whom the Scriptures of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now He shines, the long expected; let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!
O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing: all dominions, bow before Him and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, ev’ry voice in concert ring, evermore and evermore!
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be, honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory, evermore and evermore!
A traditional Irish Christmas Carol, sometimes called the Enniscorthy Carol as it was first collected by an musicologist in Enniscorthy, this tells the story of Christmas from the virgin birth, the announcement from the angels, the wise men, the shepherds, and the Bethlehem star, these things having been foretold hundreds of years earlier by God to the prophets and ultimately to the people, promising that a Saviour would be born to redeem the world.
Good people all, this Christmas time Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done In sending His beloved Son. And Mary, mother, she did pray To God with love that Christmas Day. In Bethlehem upon that morn There was a blessed Messiah born.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep To whom God’s angels did appear Which put the shepherds in great fear. ‘Prepare and go, ‘ the angels said ‘To Bethlehem, be not afraid For there you’ll find, this happy morn A princely babe, sweet Jesus born.
With thankful heart and joyful mind The shepherds went, this Babe to find, And as God’s angel had foretold They did our Saviour Christ behold. Within a manger He was laid And by His side the virgin maid Attending on the Lord of life Who came on earth to end all strife.
Good people all, this Christmas time Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done In sending his beloved Son. And Mary, mother, she did pray To God with love that Christmas day. In Bethlehem upon that morn There was a blessed Messiah born.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (arr. Mark Hayes)
This hymn is based on Habakkuk 2:20. During Advent season, we contemplate both the first coming of Christ (born in human flesh) as well as His next coming when He shall come as King and Ruler of all nations to judge the living and the dead, and we wait with the same watchfulness for that second advent as those of old watched carefully for His first advent. Though Christ did come to earth as a baby, this offertory rightly marks that even as a baby, Jesus was still King in that he ushered in and will continue to usher in the Kingdom of God, and as the first verse says, is due our full homage. He descended to earth with blessing in His hand both in His first advent when He came to die for sinners and be raised from the dead to secure their blessings, but in His second advent, will, too, come with blessing in His hand for those who have placed their trust in Him, for on that “great and terrible day” of judgment, because of Christ’s atonement for our sins, we will be judged as if we never sinned only because God will look upon Christ’s righteousness instead of our sin. On that day, all “pow’rs of hell may vanish” (as written in the third stanza) because Satan will no longer be able to accuse us as sinners because Christ (because of his perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection) has washed us in His blood and made us righteous in God’s eyes as God looks upon Christ’s righteousness instead of our own. Let us approach God in the same awe as this offertory – and Habakkuk – suggests.
“But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”-Habakkuk 2:20
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in His hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.
King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth He stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood, He will give to all the faithful His own self for heav’nly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the pow’rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
At His feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim, with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, “Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High!”
Dating from the fifth century, this is a song that Jewish Christians would sing, recalling their redemptive history. Israel was exiled long before Christ from God’s presence as punishment for disobedience, and longed for God’s presence and to purchase them again from their captivity in Babylon. They clung to the words of Isaiah which promised “therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel/Emmanuel means “God with us” – His presence would be with them again. Christ being the Rod of Jesse is significant because the One who was to redeem the earth was to be from the kingly line of the Davidic dynasty, and Christ was. In Jesus’s birth, the prayers of the people were answered: the son of David, and Lord, had finally come to deliver His people, freeing them from the powers of Satan, sin, and death.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Adonai, Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times didst give the law In cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Before Jesus was sent into this world to take on human flesh, the people were long awaiting a Saviour to save them from the punishment and consequences of their sins. God had promised them that there would be a Redeemer. This song, as all advent songs, looks forward to the coming Messiah who will redeem them. Jesus fulfilled all of the law given to God’s people (in our place since we cannot perfectly) (Luke 2:21-24). Since the beginning in the garden of Eden, Israel (and God’s people) held onto the hope of God’s promise when He cursed the serpent and promised to send a Redeemer to conquer Satan and the mortal consequences of sin: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” – Gen 3:15 They waited in hope and expectation for the first coming of the Messiah, and they were not disappointed. So we, too, can wait in hope and expectation for the second coming of the Messiah when He will return and by His sufficient merit (having died for our sins and imputed His righteousness onto us), raise us to His “glorious throne” as written in this song.
Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious Kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
