The Challenge of Christmas Carols

I know this is probably a bit controversial, but I have to admit that I’m not generally the biggest fan of Christmas carols! But this year I have discovered a new-found love for them.

I think the danger of Christmas carols is that we know them and just sing them automatically. This year, however, I was struck by how jam-packed they are with brilliant truths about the meaning of Christmas and the amazing significance of Jesus coming to earth. Let me just share a few lines, which you have probably sung many times, to illustrate this:

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!



and



God rest you merry, gentlemen,

Let nothing you dismay.

For Jesus Christ our Saviour,

Was born on Christmas Day;

To save us all from Satan’s power,

When we were gone astray.

Amazing to be reminded that Jesus came so that we may have a relationship with God, even though we don’t deserve it!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

Wow! Brilliant to remember that the King of the universe came to earth in a humble, helpless baby!

My challenge is to think about what we’re singing and the amazing significance of Christmas, even though we may be singing it for the hundredth time! I’ve just highlighted a tiny selection of the great truths that are contained in Christmas carols, so I don’t know if any more spring to mind for you? Please feel free to share your favourite lines from carols or thoughts in the comments section.