Do you mind if we do one more week of CHRISTmas carols? “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” was translated by John Mason Neale from a 14th century Latin carol. We can rejoice because Christ was born to save! Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed…
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” is another hymn written by Charles Wesley. Charles was quite prolific! I think this might be my favorite, though. 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…
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” written by Edmund H. Sears and put to music by Richard Storrs Willis, tells such a wonderful story of prophecy fulfilled. 1 It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of…
Merry CHRISTmas! I love the invitation to come and worship found in “Angels From the Realms of Glory” by James Montgomery, put to music by Henry Smart. 1 Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth; ye who sang creation’s story now proclaim Messiah’s birth:…
“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…