Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a theologically rich song. It’s perfect for Christmas Eve, the night in which the angels visited the shepherds.
Luke records the event:
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:13-14
Merry Christmas! and enjoy the song.
Comments Off on 12 Days of Emmanuel (Day 9)
Filed under Uncategorized
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, is one of the older Christmas songs we sing. The original source material, “O Antiphon,” dates back to circa 800 AD.
This version is sung a cappella–solo voice with no accompaniment. This song helps me enter into the waiting of Advent. While we wait for Christmas day we remember that God’s people were waiting for hundreds and hundreds of years for the advent of Jesus.
Deep in the solemn lyrics and minor key are promises of redemption: “ransom captive Israel…from depths of hell they people save, and give them victory o’er the grave…disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.”
Therefore, “Rejoice! Rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel.”
You can listen to O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and the whole album on one of the following:
Filed under Uncategorized
Last year was the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night” (1719-2019). This may be one of the most beloved Christmas songs.
Each year, our church closes with a candlelight service by singing “Silent Night, Holy Night; All is calm, all is bright…” You can join us in singing this with us on Christmas Eve at Grace Covenant, 444 Creamery Way, Exton, PA. (5:00 and 7:00 PM).
The famous history of the song was that a flood had ruined the organ at the church in Oberndorf, Austria. Joseph Mohr brought his words to Franz Gruber to write a tune for guitar since the organ was out of commission. The song was met with affection and was shared broadly.
Ironically, as many have pointed out, it was more likely a noisy night. Cattle and oxen surround the holy family. A cry went out as Mary endured labor pains and delivery (with no drugs or doctors). Babies cry; and so did Jesus!
Yet nostalgia of Silent Night is so enchanting and warm, and reminds us of the Prince of Peace brings peace. It was a holy night, and I’m sure there was also a holy hush when things quieted down.
This version, with piano (not guitar), plays with the rhythm slightly to emphasize the message. It’s jazzy and mello. So slow down, fix a cup of hot cocoa or tea, and put your earphones on…and then listen to Silent Night.
Here’s where you can find the whole album, Emmanuel.
Comments Off on 12 Days of Emmanuel (Day 7)
Filed under Uncategorized
“Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella” is a French song from the Provence region. It is modeled around the imagination of a mother speaking to her child, pretending that the manger scene in the public square is the actual place.
Some have said the song is meant to imagine that two young milkmaids (Jeanette and Isabella) have been asked to bring a torch to the original manger scene. Either way, it is fun playful and meant to imagine what it would be like if you get to see Jesus for yourself. My mentor, Robert J. Morgan delivered a sermon in 2003 based on this song.
So enjoy the song and imagine that you we privilege to come see Jesus when he was born. How would you act?
Are you coming to see Him? What does that look like for you this Christmas? Who will you tell?
Here’s where you can find the whole album, Emmanuel.
Comments Off on 12 Days of Emmanuel (Day 6)
Filed under Uncategorized
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is a classic Christmas story-song. It focuses on the Lukan narrative of Mary, the angels, and the shepherds and emphasizes the rest God provides through His Son, our Savior.
The refrain, “Oh-oh, tiding of comfort and joy, comfort and joy” is a catchy repeat that allows even those who struggle with all seven verses to always have a part to play.
In this version Sarah follow the original tune, which makes it an arrrangment, but it has its own style. The verses that are here form a chiastic (hourglass structure.) The 2nd and 6th are about Mary and have a protestant feel, as they emphasize both Mary’s humility, and worship of Jesus. (Roman Catholics usually focus on her honor and virtue.) Here’s the structure:
Tidings of comfort and joy!
Here’s where you can find the whole album, Emmanuel.
Comments Off on 12 Days of Emmanuel (Day 5)
Filed under Uncategorized
. . . As I Follow Christ 