Christmas carols – Page 2

Day 8 The First Noel

the first noel, the nativity with the kings

Jesus’ birth ushered in the celebration of “noel,” which simply means “born on Christmas.” That’s why we won’t find the word “noel” in the Bible. It does speak of the birth we celebrate on Christmas and is quite a popular word in this carol. It’s good to remember the reason for the season because we often see the Christmas story portrayed in other ways these days. For instance, heartwarming Santa stories, to include one of my favorites, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

Our Christmas carol today is fun to sing, and there are six verses! I realized that the Lutheran hymnal from when I was a kid adds a sixth, very powerful verse, not found in most other sources. So, we’ll take a look at that today, too! The refrain or chorus is repeated after each verse. It’s simply, “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.” If you’re like me, the tune is rushing off your lips!

Day 7 What Child is This?

A baby's head being cradled by a large hand with baby looking up

Jesus is this Child. This Child is God. Why is that so important?

The lyrics of this song will show us. The first verse speaks of Jesus’ kingship. We must haste to bring worship to our King Jesus! This baby was guarded and sang over by an audience of shepherds and angels.

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!

Day 6 Hark the Herald Angels Sing

animated and colorful portrayal of angels flying in the sky with glory and shepherds and sheep below

In every Christmas pageant I’ve been part of, this song always seems to appear. Try explaining to children what some of these lyrics mean! It’s easy to point to the angels, because after all they are the ones proclaiming the message of the song.

Kids understand angels it seems. We adults may have a harder time wrapping our minds around them. At least for me, being visited by an angel would be a huge honor and definite high point in my life. That is, once I got past the “fear and trembling,” which seems to be a common reaction! Read Luke 2:8-14.

Day 5 It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Clear night sky with stars, fresh snow on some trees beneath

Luke 1:79 tells us why Jesus came. Jesus is “It” who came upon the midnight clear in today’s carol. That reason is “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” I found several “versions” of this song out there with little differences, so because I grew up Lutheran I went with the hymnal version of that (via online source hymnary.org).

Did you take enough time this Christmas season so far to spend honoring the newborn king? I’ve personally delighted in the opportunity to write for you every day and share a bit of my life, my journey. Starting with our Advent series this year, I have been drawn into a closer walk with God. It’s my prayer that’s the same for you.

Day 3 O Come All Ye Faithful

nativity shepherds o come all ye faithful

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… Rather than three French hens, our carol today repeats this line “three” times in each refrain. “O come, let us adore him!” We can adore Christ the Lord in the here and now!

As you read through the lyrics of this carol, let yourself be transported back to Bethlehem. Read Luke 2:8-16. Imagine you’ve tagged along with the shepherds, anxious to see this thing they’ve just heard about.