“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a traditional French carol. The music was arranged by Warren Angell (how appropriate is that name???) but the translator of the lyrics is unknown. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing! Come, adore on bended knee CHRIST the Lord,…
The title of this carol is a call to all of us who love Him: “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” written by John J. Work. 1 While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night, Behold, throughout the heavens There shone a holy light. Refrain: Go, tell it…
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” a poem by Henry W. Longfellow put to music by John Calkin, has such a lovely refrain: Peace on earth, good will to men. How our world needs peace! And all can find it in Jesus. 1 I heard the bells on Christmas…
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a Latin hymn with credit ascribed to several authors, but we know it was put to music by John Francis Wade. “Word of the Father in flesh appearing…” Oh, what a gift! 1 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye,…
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is no doubt very familiar to most of us. Charles Wesley penned the lyrics (which were tweaked by George Whitefield), and they were put to music by Felix Mendelssohn. I love hearing this one played by a full orchestra–so powerful! But probably not as powerful…
The words for “Joy to the World! The Lord is Come” were written by Isaac Watts and later arranged by Lowell Mason to music by Handel. Although this was originally meant to commemorate Jesus’ second return, it’s become a beloved Christmas song. 1 Joy to the world! The Lord is…
“The First Nowell” is a traditional English carol. I love the announcement, Born is the King of Israel! (For simplicity’s sake, I’ve changed “nowell” to “noel.”) 1 The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping…
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks, music by Lewis H. Redner, seems to be a standard for children’s choirs. I love it’s noble simplicity and profound truths. O holy Child, descend to us, we pray. 1 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above…
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent,” from the Liturgy of St. James and translated by Gerard Moultrie, might be unfamiliar to some of you. I think it’s truly beautiful. My favorite line: “he will give to all the faithful his own self…” 1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and…
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” by Charles Wesley, is short but so powerful. God keeps His promises! He sent Jesus, and He will send Him again! 1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in…
