This song is a translation of the Catholic Latin Text Veni, Veni Emmanuel by John Mason Neale in the mid-1800’s. Veni, Veni Emmanuel may date back to the 8th or 12th century.
Commentary & Analysis
This song is steeped in theology. The verses of this song all follow the same pattern. The first line of each verse introduces one of the names or descriptions of Christ:
God is With Us was included on the Casting Crowns Christmas CD titled released in 2008.
Commentary & Analysis
This is a more contemporary song steeped in both the Christmas story and strong theology. The first four lines of the first verse address some of the positive aspects of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord. Many a Christian can attest that upon accepting Christ, things just seemed brighter and a renewed sense of hope came upon them.
The second four lines of the verse tell the Christmas story from the viewpoint of an eyewitness caught up in the story. Imagine you are an ordinary citizen of Bethlehem when all of the sudden a bunch of shepherds come from the fields announcing that angels had appeared to them singing (Luke 2:8-16). The rumors begin to spread as more and more people hear about the birth of a boy in a manager in Bethlehem born to a virgin in fulfillment of prophecy. Despite his best attempts to destroy the child, Herod’s plot is foiled (Matthew 2:7-12). This child was clearly not just any child. He turned out to be the Son of God!
The chorus sets forth a number of truths about God. Love is raining down. The Bible tells us that God is Love (1 John 4:16). Jesus is our Savior (John 3:16) who dwells inside of us (Galatians 2:20). Finally, the chorus recites three fundamental truths of God: Continue Reading…
The words for this song come from a traditional French carol titled Les Anges dans nos campagnes. The earliest printed version of the French carol is from 1842, though many believe it was likely written in the 18th century. The most common English translation was done by James Chadwick in 1862.
Commentary & Analysis
The title of this song comes from the first line, but at its core, this song praises God with the refrain “Gloria in excelsis Deo” translated as “Glory to God in the Highest.” Each verse speaks to some of the visitors at the birth of Christ and encourages them to give “glory to God in the highest.” The first verse speaks of the angels who came and announced the birth of Jesus. It speaks of the delight they must have felt at the privilege of announcing the birth of Christ. The second verse speaks to the shepherds who received the good news of Christ’s birth asking where their great joy comes from. The answer, of course, from God in the Highest. The final two verses speak to a more general group of people encouraging them to adore to King and raise their hearts in love to God. This song serves to remind us at this Christmastime that hearts should be full of worship for our God most High.
The words to this song were written by Isaac Watts in 1719. The melody was composed by Lowell Mason. The song was originally written as a celebration of the second coming of Christ and was not written as a Christmas song.
Commentary & Analysis
It is interesting that this song, which actually deals with the second coming of Christ has become such a popular Christmas song. Let’s have a look at some of the lyrics which clearly point to the second coming of Christ. The very first verse implores “let earth receive her King.” We know that when Jesus came the first time, born in a manger in Bethlehem, he came as a suffering servant. When he comes the second time it will be as a conquering King to reign over his creation. This reign of the Savior is also mentioned in the second verse. The third verse indicates the redemption of nature. In the letter to the Romans, Paul explains:
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [Romans 8:20-22 ESV]
The tune for O Come All Ye Faithful (i.e., Adeste Fideles) is attributed to John Francis Wade. Adeste Fideles refers to the first line of the Latin text for which Wade wrote the tune. It is not clear when the original text was written.
Commentary & Analysis
Like many classic Christmas carols, this song recounts many of the aspects of Jesus’ birth and life. The first verse notes that he was born in Bethlehem:
“…and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” [Matthew 2:4-6 ESV]
The words of this song are generally attributed to Nahum Tate. The exact date that the song was written is unknown, but it appeared in print by 1700. This song was the only Christmas Song authorized to be sung by the Anglican church. Prior to 1700, only the Psalms of David were allowed to be sung in the church.
Commentary & Analysis
This song is a masterful retelling of the story of the shepherds outside Jerusalem to whom the angels appeared following the birth of Jesus. Read the story from Luke below and then the lyrics to the song below and I think you will be amazed at how accurately the story is retold in the song. Continue Reading…
Also known as We Three Kings of Orient Are and “The Quest of the Magi” this song was written by the Reverend John H. Hopkins, Jr. (pastor of Christ Episcopal Church) in 1857. Hopkins wrote both the lyrics and the music for a Christmas Pageant at General Theological Seminary.
Commentary & Analysis
I included this song because the “three kings” are one of the more widely misunderstood and misinterpreted aspects of Christmas. Despite the fact that so many manger scenes show the wise men in the manger, the Bible actually indicates that Jesus may have been as old as two years old. Herod had all the boy children two years old and younger killed based on the information from the wise men. The Bible also refers to Jesus as a “child” when the wise men finally arrived. Finally, the Bible only indicates that “wise men came from the east.” There is no indication as to the country of origin, number of visitors or that they were “Kings.” All of this information has been inferred from the very little information actually included in the text. For example, the idea that there were three visitors is likely an outgrowth of the fact that three gifts are mentioned in the text.
