Hymn Sunday is a collaboration with Getty Music. This month they have generously decided to provide you with three hymns! Two of these three hymns may be found in the Keith Getty Top 10 Carols for Christmas. Keith has also written an article about why we should still be singing Christmas Carols.
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In the Bleak Midwinter
“In the Bleak Midwinter” is among our most plaintive carols, partly because of the melancholic melody by Gustav Holst. Penned by English poet Christina Rossetti, the lyrics first appeared in 1872. The last stanza brings us to a place of personal reflection and response – what should we do about the message of Jesus’ birth? What does the gospel story require of each of us who hear it?
“What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give him: give my heart.”
Angels We Have Heard on High with Joy Has Dawned
Angels We Have Heard on High is one of the most joyful and well-written choruses ever composed. The lyrical journey shines a light on the reality of the incarnation in a way that refreshes the soul. This carol contributes wonderfully to that sense of celebration expressed by the angels in the gospel of Luke. And the first line and chorus, ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ provides a fun vocal exercise for anyone who sings it!
Sing We the Song of Emmanuel
The story behind “Sing We the Song of Emmanuel” – From Matt Papa
“Sing We the Song of Emmanuel” started with the general theme of Christmas and the song title. The song evolved with a joyful and majestic sounding tune – and we asked the question “what does this tune want to say about Christmas and about the coming of Jesus?” We tried to combine the mystery of the Christmas story with the joy, jubilation, and majesty that we celebrate at Christmas.
Verse three of “Sing We the Song of Emmanuel” embodies all that we really want to communicate with this song
– Matt Papa
“Go spread the news of Emmanuel
Joy and peace for the weary heart
Lift up your heads for your King has come
Sing for the light overwhelms the dark
Glory shining for all to see
Hope alive let the gospel ring
God has made a way
He will have the praise
Tell the world his name is Jesus”
Sing We the Song of Emmanuel
Words and Music Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Stuart Townend, and Keith Getty
©2015 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / Messenger Hymns (BMI) / Getty Music Hymns and Songs (ASCAP) / Love Your Enemies Publishing (ASCAP) / Townend Songs (PRS)