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The Sussex Carol, “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing” (#184)

What would Christmas be like if we weren’t singing carols?  Apparently the origin of this kind of folk song at this time of year is found back in medieval Europe in pagan songs sung at the winter solstice celebration, as … Continue reading

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The Manger Where “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” (#183)

Artists and movie makers and greeting card makers have created many pictures of Mary and Joseph with the baby.  These scenes are beautiful and sentimental, and powerful in the way they have stuck in our minds.  In contrast to those … Continue reading

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Gloria in Excelsis Deo and “Angels We Have Heard on High” (#182)

Isn’t it interesting that many of our Christmas carols have something to say about angels?  We sing of them directly in “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” and also in “Angels We Have Heard on … Continue reading

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The Polish Carol “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” (#181)

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.”  What a simple and yet profound fact that is!  Charles Spurgeon said that here at Christmas-time we try to grasp the enormity of the beauty and mystery and marvel of that statement.  His words are so … Continue reading

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Isaiah 40 and “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” (#180)

Most of us are familiar with metrical Psalms in which the actual text of Scripture is set in a form that enables people to sing God’s Word.  Almost all hymnals have Psalms 23 and 100 in this format.  When we … Continue reading

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Greensleeves and “What Child is This?” (#179)

When we sing our Christmas carols, it’s helpful to know something about their origin in regard to both words and music.  Sometimes the stories attached to them are quite surprising.  And here in the case of “What Child Is This?” … Continue reading

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Punctuation and “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” (#178)

One of the oldest English Christmas carols is “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” having its origins at least as far back as the 15th century.  An early version of this carol is found in an anonymous manuscript, dating from the … Continue reading

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Thanksgiving and “Count Your Many Blessings” (#177)

In many ways, Thanksgiving is the quintessential American holiday.  Highways and airports are clogged with people traveling from near and far to be together for the holiday weekend.  While every culture celebrates times of thankfulness, the America Thanksgiving is unique in its … Continue reading

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Suffering Christians and “Commit Now All Your Griefs” (#175)

Suffering is an unavoidable reality in this life for all people, whether Christians or not.  It takes many forms, from illnesses and disasters to persecution and old age.  We were not designed for pain and sadness, but sin’s curse has … Continue reading

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George Beverly Shea and “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (#176)

Anyone who has ever attended a Billy Graham Crusade will recall hearing the smooth bass-baritone voice of George Beverly Shea (1909-2013 … yes, he lived to be 104!) singing what many regarded to be his signature song, “I’d Rather Have … Continue reading

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