Hello TWS readers! My name is Colin. I’m a cellist and teacher who loves worshiping God.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year;” especially if you love Christmas music! Dr. Samuel Hsu, late professor of music history at Cairn University, was a passionate advocate for the “communion of the saints.” This is not just Christians meeting together today – this means the gathering of all Christians, living and dead. Before our era lived hundreds of millions of Christians who loved and worshiped the same Savior, celebrating his incarnation at this same time of year. I want to look at some of the musical texts that gave their faith strength, in essence communing with the songs of our fathers in the faith, celebrating these words and taking them into the future.
To that end, for a spin on those famous Twelve Days of Christmas, join me each day in exploring Christmas lyrics that celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, from within our lifetime to over a thousand years ago! We’ll look at rich texts and consider their famous settings. May they inspire how you think and write about this beautiful season as we rejoice in Emmanuel.
Day 1: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Day 2: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Day 3: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Day 4: The First Noel, and a second
Day 5: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Day 6: Two Latin Texts
Day 7: Prepare Him Room
Day 8: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Day 9: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Day 10: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Day 11: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Day 12: Once in Royal David’s City
12 thoughts on “Twelve Texts for Christmas”