Christmas Carols

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)

What Christmas carol that still sung today dates back to the Middle Ages? The answer: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”.

Chapters 1 and 2 of Luke are the basis for many well known Christmas carols. “Away in A Manger”; “Silent Night, Holy Night”; “Joy To The World”; “What Child is This”; and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” are just a few examples of the songs that originated from the book of Luke.

I just love listening to “What Child is This”. As a mother of three children I can not imagine what Mary had to endure while preparing for the birth of Jesus. “Away in A Manger” makes me feel for the hardship of Mary having to lay Jesus in a manger. “Silent Night, Holy Night” helps me to see what a special moment in history this was. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” makes me want to sing His praises to the world. My heart is filled with joy when I listen to “Joy To The World”. I could listen to Christmas Carols all year. In fact I do.

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” has endured the passing of time. This classic helps us see that Jesus is always with us whether or not it is Christmas . I will always love the carols. Just reread the story of Jesus' birth and try to think up other songs we sing this time of the year.

Thank you Jesus for the time to remember the story of “Your” birth through the songs of Christmas. Help me to always sing with the joy of your presence.

© 2011 Dawn M Sexton