You’ve surely already heard the classic Christmas songs being played everywhere you go. Some of them are fun ones about snow, sleighs, and other wintry things I’ve never seen where I live, though I have a preference for the ones that have to do with Jesus Christ. Certain lyrics in the Christmas songs about Christ really stick out to me. I’ve written about this before in Contemplating Carols, Familiar Carols, The Son of God, By Name!, and When Jesus Left His Throne. Here are a few more lines that really stick out to me.
In “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is the line: “Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray.” That was Jesus’ purpose for coming (Isaiah 53). Repeated in the song is the phrase: Tidings of comfort and joy! The work of Jesus Christ is indeed tidings that are both comforting and joyous!
In “Silent Night”, I like to look at the original German lyrics. One part says: “Son of God, oh how laughs love from your divine mouth. The saving hour strikes us, Christ in your birth!” I love that way of saying it!
“What Child Is This?” is another favorite. Just the title itself and those words in the song is striking. Really, what Child is this? The circumstances and purpose of Christ’s birth are amazing!
Your turn. Please tell me what Christmas lyrics stand out to you in a meaningful way!
I love “Ring, Christmas Bells” (Nativity version of “Carol of the Bells”) because of the Announcement and Proclamation of Jesus’ birth for all mankind; it “rings” of excitement spread far and wide, to young and old, meek and bold, the approachable King of Kings/Prince of Peace sent forth for reconciliation between God and Man.
“O Holy Night” is another powerful hymn identifying the state between God and Man and how Jesus can bring forth that reconciliation.
A newish song (I think should be a hymn!), “Mary, Did You Know?” is right up there with “What Child Is This?” for how surreal it must have been to have Jesus in their world and their family!
Lovely songs! Thank you for sharing!