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| NetClipart |
How
often do we pay attention to the words we sing in those old familiar Christmas
carols? I must admit that in “researching” for this post, I had to actually go
back and look at the words to a lot of these carols. We all tend to know the
first verse, often without even looking at the words, but how often do we
really pay attention to what we are singing and how often do we focus on the
message of the song? This is how God speaks to us through music. The melody and
rhythm may ignite our soul, but the words are what speaks to us.
Growing
up, my mother and I sang together often for different church events and
occasions. Eventually my sister and my daughters started to sing with us as
well. One thing I always remember about this experience with my mother (and I’m
sure my sister and daughters would say the same) is that the words mattered. My
mother was also a choir director and she used the same philosophy in choosing
music for the choir...words mattered. Yes, the music had to be in the correct
range and skill level of the singers, but then it was the message that was
important. My family always viewed our singing as a ministry or opportunity to
lead someone to Christ or bring them closer in their journey, so to us the
words mattered more than the melody.
Because
it is Christmas, I started thinking about the words to some of those more
familiar Christmas carols that are sung in church this time of year and
realized that I was not always familiar with the complete messages of those
carols. Here is a closer look at the message from some of these well-known
carols.
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| Kari Farnell |
Hark,
the Herald Angels Sing-- written in 1739 by Charles Wesley, adapted by George
Whitefield in 1758. By 1961, our present adaptation was complete. This
Christmas Hymn begins, in the first two verses, exclaiming the birth of Jesus,
as do most Christmas carols. The third verse makes a striking change and
acknowledges that Jesus came from Heaven, gives life to all, and has risen to
heal our sins. It proclaims that Jesus puts aside his “Glory” to come to earth.
I love the way Charles Wesley originally wrote the ending, “Born—that Man no more may die, Born—to raise the Sons of
Earth, Born—to give them Second Birth.” The entire third verse explains Jesus’
reason for coming to Earth.
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| Kari Farnell |
Joy to the World--words by Isaac Watts (1719), traditional music
by Lowell Mason (1848). Although Joy to the World is one of the most published
(according to Wikipedia) Christmas hymns in North America, if you really look
at the words, it really reflects Jesus’ power and future coming more than it
does His first coming. Verse 1 could
arguably be about Jesus’ birth. Verse 2 is an ode to Jesus’ reign as King where
even nature sings His praises. Verse 3 refers to Jesus’ death on the cross
which allows us to live in Heaven where there will be no more sin, sadness,
thorns, etc. HE BREAKS THE CURSE of death! Verse 4 is a proclamation of Jesus’
future reign over all of the world; of His righteousness and love.
Good Christian Men, Rejoice--attributed to Heinrich Suso circa
1328; music In dulci jubilo circa
1305.
This is an interesting example of how God can even speak through
“suspect” people. Heinrich Suso was considered a German mystic, who claimed to
have either had a vision or an actual sighting of angels singing these words.
As they sang, he joined them in dancing. However Suso was “inspired” to write
the words, they are something God can use to speak to us. Verse 1 exclaims the
birth of Jesus even in present tense. He is in the manger now! Verse 2 gives the reason for Jesus to come to
earth. His birth is the catalyst of the opening of Heaven to us. Verse 3 again
proclaims that we have no more need to fear [eternal] death because Jesus was
born to save us. He calls all of us to be present at His table in Heaven and
has provided the means for getting there.
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| Kari Farnell |
The last familiar Christmas carol I’d like to mention is O Come,
All Ye Faithful. The text of this hymn is attributed to many different people.
It was originally printed by John Francis Wade circa 1750, but originally
appeared on a manuscript bearing the name of King John IV of Portugal in the
mid-1600s. The music also has been attributed to various people including John
Wade and a musician in the court of King John IV. Whoever penned the words to
this carol, did so as a reflection of praise of the birth of Jesus. They call
all people to come and celebrate and worship the newborn Christ. Verses 1, 3,
and 4 issue this proclamation and praise of Jesus, while verse 2 explains who
Jesus is; the true God, begotten not created.
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| Kari Farnell |
During this Christmas season, I urge you to pay attention to the
words; to allow God to speak to you through the familiar; to find something new
among the traditional. As you listen to the traditional songs, decide whether
they are telling the story of Jesus, or whether they are asking you to praise
Him for who He is.
The next post will take a similar track as this, but using
modern Christian Christmas songs. I’m excited to see what God will tell us
about those.
