For many people, Christmas music marks the beginning of the holiday season. Of course, the melodies of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Johnny Mathis, along with the songs of sleigh bells and snow, stockings and Santa Claus, may warm our hearts and prepare us for the wonders of winter. However, for millions of Christians around the world, it is the hymns, carols, and songs commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ that tell a much different story. Beyond seasonal sentiments of merriment and cheer, these songs contain a rich and treasured theology of Christ’s glorious birth, ministry, and character. And though reflective, commemorative, and celebratory in nature, they also prepare the hearts of faithful and hopeful believers for the joyous return and second coming of God’s one and only Son.
Here, then, is a brief look at our favorite Christmas hymns that point us to Jesus Christ.
O come, o come, Immanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel
Isaiah’s prophecies regarding the Messiah preceded one of the darkest chapters of Israel’s history. As God’s people mourned in captivity and languished in exile in Babylon and later Persia, hope came in the form of God’s promise of restoration, the return to their homeland, and their eventual “ransom” and rescue at the hands of the Messiah, “the Branch of Jesse’s stem” (see Isaiah 11:1-3), who would be called “Immanuel” (God with Us) (see Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:23). Until the arrival of the Son of God, God’s people waited in “lonely exile." Even today, the Bible says that “all creation waits in expectation” for Christ’s return, when the children of God, exiles on this earth, return to their eternal home and share in His glory (Romans 8:19). “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a song of hope, longing, and anticipation for all generations.
Tyler Michael & Sarah Smith | 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel' from CCM Magazine on GodTube.
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel
The long and storied history of the word “Noel” provides insight into the wonder of this classic Christmas hymn. Long associated with the celebration of Christmas, the term “Noel” can be linked to the French phrase bonnes nouvelles (“good news”). And if we go back ever farther, we can also find a variant of the word derived from the Latin for “birthday” or “to be born.” Therefore, in singing of the first Noel, the angels herald the first “birthday” and “good news” of all creation. What an appropriate announcement for the glorious birth of the true “King of Israel”, “man of heaven”, and “last Adam”, in whom salvation is found (2 Titus 2:11; Romans 10:13) and creation starts anew (1 Corinthians 15:45-47; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Michael Sweet Noelle Music Video from Dennis Disney on GodTube.
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hope and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
With the birth of Jesus Christ, the little town of Bethlehem rose to prominence, becoming one of the most iconic locations on earth for all of history. Here, in this humble town in the hill country of Judah, God chose to make His entrance in human form, as prophesied by the prophet Micah (Micah 5:2). And here, in the “city of David” (1 Samuel 16:4-13; Luke 2:4) and “house of bread”, the “heir to the throne of David” (Luke 1:33) and “Bread of Life” came into the world to “fill the hungry with good things” (John 6:22-23; Luke 1:53) and establish His throne forever (Luke 1:33). “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is a beautiful reminder of the many ways God uses “small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10) and the humble and “foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27; see also Luke 1:52).
O' Little Town of Bethlehem ~ Sarah McLachlan from Bill Lourdes on GodTube.
Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
Few images in the nativity speak to the humility of Jesus Christ quite like the manger, in which the King of Kings and Son of God was placed following His birth (Luke 2:7-16; see also Philippians 2:5-11). Here, once again, we find the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35) and “Living Bread of Heaven” (John 6:51) being put in a feeding trough commonly used for sheep. Fittingly, the “Lamb of God” (Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, 36) and “Good Shepherd” (Psalms 23), who would later “lay down His life for His sheep” (John 10:11), was also laid in a manger when there was no room or crib for His bed (see Luke 9:58).
Acoustic Version Away In A Manger from Lewis Moore on GodTube.
Silent night! Holy night!
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Most parents know how emotional and chaotic the moments leading up to the birth of their children can be. The first Christmas was probably very similar. And yet, it was remarkably different. Amidst the chaos of the nativity, the world was turned upside down. In the darkness of a fallen, sinful, and broken world, peace and stillness came to earth in the form of a baby, the long-awaited Prince of Peace (Psalms 46:10). On that silent night, Christ the Savior was born (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:15; Mark 2:17; Luke 19:10). And with the dawn came the hope and promise of His “redeeming grace” (Ephesians 1:7-8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24).
Brynn Elliott | 'Silent Night' (acoustic) from CCM Magazine on GodTube.
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels:
O Come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
In his letter to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul once appealed to the eternal citizenship of the redeemed in Christ (Philippians 3:20). Likewise, “O Come All Ye Faithful” serves as an invitation to all the “citizens of Heaven above.”
Sing, choirs of angels, sin in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore Him, (3x)
Christ the Lord.
Right out of the pages of Scripture, it is a call to worship, to sing with the angels, and to “come and adore Him” (Psalms 95:6), this Christ the Lord, God of God, and light of light (Genesis 1:3; Matthew 4:16; John 9:5; Psalms 18:28; Psalms 27:1; John 1:5; 1 John 1:5). In churches around the world every Christmas, the joyful chorus of the faithful and triumphant is heard as the call to worship and adoration is heeded.
Beautiful 'O Come All Ye Faithful' Cypress Fyre A Cappella Cover from Chris Rupp on GodTube.
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on earth, good will to men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.
Every year, people around the world enter the Christmas season with heavy hearts and long faces. Of course, there are many reasons why people may mourn this time of year. And despite the wisdom of the world, hope in times of present sadness often comes by treasuring the glorious songs and stories of old, none more joyous than the birth of Jesus Christ. Until that day when Christ returns and He “wipes away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:4), peace on earth and goodwill to men are found in “heaven’s all-gracious King.”. In Him alone we place our hope; in Him alone we are sustained.
Cherished by millions of Christians around the world since it was first penned and put to song, “O Holy Night” has a unique history, originating from the mind of one who, by all accounts, had very little religious conviction at the time he wrote it. Nevertheless, “O Holy Night” is packed with theological significance as it affirms and triumphantly celebrates Christ who was, Christ who is, and Christ who is to come.
Truly He taught us to love one another; (John 13:34-35)
His law is love and His gospel is peace. (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27)
Chains shall He break (Isaiah 61:1-12; 9:4), for the slave is our brother, (Philemon 1:16; Galatians 3:28-29)
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we; (Colossians 3:16)
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! (Philippians 2:11; John 14:6-11, 1:14) O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim! (Psalms 113:2; 145:1; Revelation 7:12)
Nearly the entire theology of Scripture is contained in this one song, which calls upon all who hear it to “raise a grateful chorus” and “fall on their knees” in reverence, awe, and adoration of Christ the Lord, in whose presence every night is a Holy Night (Philippians 2:10-11; Psalms 113:2; 145:1; Revelation 7:12).
What Child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?Chorus:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Shortly after Christ calmed the wind and waves on the sea, it was the disciples of Jesus who asked themselves, “who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?” (Luke 8:25) Years before Jesus performed a single sign or miracle, the world asked a similar question: “what child is this?” The Bible provides the clearest answer: “this is Christ, the King” (Luke 1:30-33; John 1:1-18; 4:25-26; Matthew 1:18-25).
Mary did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you
On the list of Christmas songs about the birth of Christ, “Mary, Did You Know?” is one of the newest. That hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most widely recorded and popular songs this time of year. In it, lyricist Mark Lowry gives voice to the many questions the virgin Mary undoubtedly had following the angel’s annunciation (Luke 1:26-38), through her delivery, and the eventual life and ministry of her adult son. Of course, we can never know how much Mary “pondered” and “treasured” following the miraculous events of Jesus’ birth. However, through this song, we can all treasure the thoughts of one who bore witness to the wonders of the Messiah from His birth and beyond.
Mark Lowry Performs ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ from CCM Magazine on GodTube.
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strainsAngels we have heard on high
Sweetly, sweetly through the night
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brief delightGloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo
At the birth of Christ, a multitude of heavenly host appeared in the skies above Bethlehem praising God and singing, “glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14). Today, the church triumphantly recounts the song of the heavenly host by singing the same chorus: “gloria, in excelsis Deo.” And like the shepherds in the field, Christ’s followers call to each other to “come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand” (Psalms 95:6). What a great privilege it is to join with the chorus of angels and shepherds and sing the same song of praise to the same Jesus who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
With “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” the joyful chorus of angels and men herald more than just the birth of another baby (Luke 2:8-14). With this glorious hymn, we sing of all that Christ came to accomplish on this earth (Revelation 5:13; Isaiah 6:2-3). In Christ, “God and sinners are reconciled” (2 Corinthians 5:18); and in Him, “joyful nations rise” (Psalms 86:9; Revelation 98:4). Through Jesus, “our Emmanuel”, God came to dwell among us (John 1:14; 3:16; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:14). He is the “heaven-born Prince of Peace” and “Son of Righteousness” (Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 29:11; Isaiah 26:3; John 16:33). “Light and life to all He brings”; “ris’n with healing in His wings” (John 8:12; Psalms 30:2; Jeremiah 17:14; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 40:31; 53:4). “Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to given them second birth” (John 3:3-15; 16; 5:24; 6:47; 10:27-28; 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-12).
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6; 26:3; Psalms 29:11; John 16:33)
Hail the Son of Righteousness! (Malachi 4:2)
Light and life to all He brings (John 8:12)
Ris'n with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2; Isaiah 40:31; 53:4-6; Psalms 30:2; Jeremiah 17:14; 1 Peter 2:24)
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die (John 3:3-16; 5:24; 6:47; 10:27-28; 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-12)
Born to raise the sons of earth (Romans 6:5; Colossians 2:10-15; 3:1)
Born to give them second birth (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
In most homes, no nativity display is complete without a careful placing of the three wise men with their chosen gifts for the newborn king. Of course, we do not know how the Bethlehem star (Matthew 2:2) brought these three (or more) magicians and astrologers from the East to Jerusalem and then Bethlehem. All we know is that the God of creation, who “counts the stars” and “calls them by name” (Psalms 147:4), moved the heavens to guide foreigners to come and worship His Son, “thy perfect light.” (see also Amos 5:8-9; Isaiah 40:26; Psalms 8:3-9; 19:1-6). And for the one called “King of the Jews”, these men brought deeply symbolic gifts that point to the very character and nature of Jesus Christ (see Isaiah 9:6-7; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 2:17; 4:14; 1 John 4:10; John 19:31-42; Luke 23:50-56; Matthew 26:6-13; Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Lully, lulla,
thou little tiny child,
by by, lully lullay.
O sisters too,
how may we do
for to preserve this day
this poor youngling,
for whom we do sing
This 16th century English Christmas carol has a much more somber tone than many hymns and carols on this list as it references the Massacre of the Innocence by King Herod upon receiving news that the “King of the Jews” was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-23).
Herod the king,
in his raging,
charged he hath this day
his men of might,
in his own sight,
all young children to slay.
Accordingly, “Coventry Carol” “takes the form of a lullaby sung by mothers of the doomed children.” A deeply tragic perspective on the Christmas story, this hymn reminds us that false, earthly kings will always be threatened by the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Nevertheless, it is Christ who “rules over the nations” (Psalms 22:28) and turns the heart of kings like “channels of water” wherever He wishes (Proverbs 21:1). Furthermore, as Isaiah prophesied, “the government will rest on His shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6-7; emphasis added)
Do you hear what I hear?
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
(Do you see what I see?)
Way up in the sky, little lamb
Do you see what I see?
(Do you see what I see?)
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
It should never be lost within the charm of Bing Crosby’s voice, that the answer to his questions surrounding the Christmas story, “do you hear what I hear?” and “do you see what I see?”, will be, for many, “no.” When it comes to many theological truths, the Bible calls upon those with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” (Revelation 2; Isaiah 6:8-10), a common phrase spoken throughout the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14, 24-27; 13:10-15; 11:15; Mark 4:9, 23). Unfortunately, the Bible speaks of those with eyes who do not see and ears who do not hear. The same is true of Christmas. At no other time of the year is the gospel and person of Jesus Christ proclaimed more loudly and clearly than at Christmas. And yet, despite the many songs, hymns, and carols about Jesus that fill the homes and cars of millions of people around the world this time of year, multitudes will still miss the true meaning of Christmas.
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say! (Listen to what I say!)
Pray for peace, people, everywhere
Listen to what I say! (Listen to what I say!)
The Child, the Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
Sadly, many will see the nativity on display but never encounter Christ beyond the manger; they will listen to and even the sing the songs of Christ’s birth but never hear or receive the saving message of His gospel. The eternal joy of Christmas will be lost to those who do not see and do not hear.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
In the words of one of the most popular Christmas hymns of all time, there is great joy for all who know that the Lord has come and choose to receive Him as their King (Psalms 96:11-12; 150:1-6). For Christ alone breaks the curse of sin and sorrow and “comes to make His blessings flow” (Genesis 3:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:13-16; 2 Corinthians 9:8; John 10:10; Ephesians 3:20). Unlike nearly every human ruler or king in history, “He rules the world with truth and grace” (Isaiah 40:22; 9:6; Psalms 22:28; Daniel 4:17; emphasis added). Unfortunately, for those who, like many on that Bethlehem night, have no room for their King, the hope, joy, and peace that He alone brings will remained on the other side of a closed door. They will never know the “wonders of His love” (Psalms 17:7-10; Psalms 136:4; Ephesians 3:17-19) or sing for joy as only the redeemed in Christ can.
Justin Gambino | 'Joy To The World' (acoustic) from CCM Magazine on GodTube.
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
“Oh, tidings of comfort and joy” is the resounding chorus of the traditional English carol. But what is it that brings such delight to these so-called “merry gentlemen”? Christ our Savior, born on Christmas Day, of course. It is He who “saves us from Satan’s pow’r” and rescues us from sin and death (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18; Revelation 12:10; Romans 6:14; 8:37). Like sheep who were “gone astray” (see Isaiah 53:6), we were given a “Good Shepherd” (Psalms 23; John 10:11-18), who “caused the iniquity of us all to fall upon Him” (Isaiah 53:6). It was He who came on Christmas morning to “seek and save” the lost (Luke 19:10). To the once lost but now rescued and redeemed, Christ’s birth brings tidings of true “comfort and joy.” In Him alone is the fullness of a true “merry” Christmas.
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring
News of great joy, news of great mirth
News of our merciful King's birth
Then why should men on earth be so sad?
Since our Redeemer made us glad
Then why should men on earth be so sad?
Since our Redeemer made us glad
In the popular “Sussex Carol,” carolers sing a chorus, “why should men on earth be so sad? Since our Redeemer made us glad?” Like many songs of Christ’s birth, the “Sussex Carol” is a call for the redeemed in Christ to be glad an rejoice (see Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 51:12; Psalms 118:22-23; Psalms 92:4; Philippians 4:4). “For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) And to those who believe, not in Santa Claus or some generic Christmas spirit and cheer, but in the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Christmas is a season of inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8-9).
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum
When we come. Little baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give a King, pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum
The fictional tale of “The Little Drummer Boy” may be the inspiration for a holiday film classic and a song that shares its name. However, though its main character does not come directly from Scripture, his song does reflect on a theological truth. In the words of David, “what shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalms 116:12) The Little Drummer similarly questions what gift could a poor boy bring that’s “fit for a king”? In response to the goodness and mercy of God, many have asked the same question. And yet, Jesus reminds us in the story of the widow’s gift that God does not look at gifts the same way we do (Luke 21:1-4). Whether we are young or old, rich or poor, drummer boy or wise man, Christ looks at the heart and desires true worship from those who truly love Him.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
In his letter to the church in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote, “how will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will the believe in whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14) The same could be asked of the audience and eyewitnesses of the first Christmas. How would the world ever know of the glorious first moments when God came into the world if they had not gone and told “on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born”? The Christmas story may have begun with a call to “come and see”, but like the gospel, it ended with a desire and command to “go and tell” (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 2:8-18).
Today, Christians carry the same responsibility, to commemorate and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but also to sing and bring glory to His name by telling the world that Christ the Savior has come and will come again. May we praise His name forever; and may His power and glory we evermore proclaim! Amen.
Further Reading
25 Christmas Hymns to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
10 Christmas Carols That Tell the Real Story of Christmas
What Can We Learn from Old Christmas Hymns?
What is the Purpose of Singing Hymns?
10 Glorious Advent Hymns: Rejoice in the Arrival of Christmas
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/MKucova