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2017 Advent Devotional

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST

Happy Advent!

This Advent season you are invited to use this devotional and reflect on different

hymn text each day. Hymn texts are poetry and much can be gained by reading and

reflecting on them. This devotional is created for the use of First Presbyterian

Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

When looking at the page, after you see the hymn text, it says who wrote it, the year,

and below that is the number for the hymn in our hymnal, Glory to God, for you to

reference. At the bottom of the page you will see a portion of the hymn text that can

be used as a prayer or part of your own prayer for the day.

Also, all of the scriptures used come from the NRSV translation.

My hope is that during this season of waiting and anticipating Christ’s birth you will

gain a new perspective on the hymns we sing during the season.

Blessings to each one of you,

Dr. Chelsea Vaught

December 3 “People, Look East”

People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year.

Make your house fair as you are able; trim the hearth and set the table.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Guest, is on the way.

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there.

Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in the course the flower may flourish.

People, look east and sing today: Love the Rose, is on the way.

Birds, though you long have ceased to build, guard the nest that must be filled.

Even the hour when wings are frozen God for fledging time has chosen.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Bird, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim one more light the bowl shall brim,

shining beyond the frosty weather, bright as sun and moon together.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Star is on the way.

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way.

Text: Eleanor Farjeon, 1928, alt.

Glory to God #105

Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) wrote the text to “People Look East.” She also

wrote the text to “Morning Has Broken.” Farjeon was a British composer who was

the author of children’s stories and plays, poetry, biography and satire. As you can see above, each stanza is connected to a part of creation – people, furrows, birds, stars

and angels. The stanzas end with a promise using the formula “Love the guest, rose,

bird, star, Lord, is on the way.” East is significant because of the Christian belief that

Christ will come from that direction.

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming with the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way. Amen.

December 4 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,

born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.

text: Charles Wesley, 1744

Glory to God #82

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) wrote the text to “Come, Thou Long-Expected

Jesus.” Wesley is remembered as a leader of the Methodist movement who also wrote over 6,000 hymns. This text was first published in 1745. It is an invitation,

blending both memory and hope. A voice is given to the present faith as we are

between the past and future.

Three scriptures are connected to first line. First is Matthew 1:21 She will bear

a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Second is

Luke 1:31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him

Jesus. Third is Revelation 22:20 The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am

coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Amen.

December 5 “Prepare the Way, O Zion”

Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!

Let every hill and valley a level way appear.

Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.

O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.

He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.

His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth and love.

Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.


Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace,

and tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.

All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing


text: Franz Mikael Franzen 1812, rev 1819, trans 1958

Glory to God #106

Swedish poet Franz Mikael Franzen (1772-1847) wrote the text to “Prepare

the Way, O Zion.” This hymn originated in the Church of Sweden. Each stanza

clearly connects to a different passage of scripture.

The first stanza refers to Isaiah 40:3-5: A voice cries out: “In the wilderness

prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley

shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become

level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all

people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” The second stanza connects to Psalm 89:14: Righteousness and justice are the

foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you; and Psalm 96:13

NRSV: before the LORD; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the

world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

The third stanza is influenced by Psalm 24:7,9: Lift up your heads, O gates! and

be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in; and Isaiah 52:7: How

beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who

brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.

His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth and love.

Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.

O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name. Amen.

December 6 “Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger, no crib for his 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.

The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,

but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,

and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Text: stanzas 1-2 Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families c. 1885;

Stanza 3: Gabriel’s Vineyard Songs, 1892

Glory to God #115

The popular Children’s Christmas carol, “Away in a Manger,” has an interesting

background. One story says it appeared in 1887 in a book called Dainty Songs for Little

Lads and Lasses published in Cincinnati. Under the title of “Away in a Manger” it said

“composed by Martin Luther for his children and still sung by German mothers to

their little ones.” In 1945, an article by Richard Hill was written, which said that “Away

in a Manger” was first in an 1885 songbook that was actually published and written by

German Lutherans in Pennsylvania. There are over 40 different tunes connected with

this particular text.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. Amen.

December 7 “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”

Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body.

Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Come now, O God of love; make us one body. Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Come now and set us free, O God, our Savior.


Come, hope of unity; make us one body.


Text: Geonyong Lee, 1988

Reprinted under onelicense.net #A-708176

Glory to God #103

“Come Now, O Prince of Peace” was written by Geonyong Lee for the World

Conference for Peace and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula. The stanzas focus

on peace, love, freedom and unity. The phrase “Prince of Peace” comes from

Isaiah 9:6: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoul-

ders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

There are two other connections to scripture. First is 2 Corinthians 5:17-20:

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, every-

thing has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and

has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to

himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconcilia-

tion to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we

entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Another connection is I Corinthians 12:12-13: For just as the body is one and

has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is

with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks,

slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Come now, O Prince of Peace; make us one body. Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Come now, O God of love; make us one body. Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

Come now and set us free, O God, our Savior. Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.

December 8 “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

Lo, how a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung,

of Jesse’s lineage coming, by faithful prophets sung.

It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night.

Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind;

with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.

To show God’s love aright she bore for us a Savior, when half spent was the night.

This flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,

dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.

Enfleshed, yet very God, from sin and death he saves us and lightens every load.

Text: German carol; 1-2 trans. Theodore Baker, 1894;

3 trans. Harriet Knuth Spaeth, 1985.

Glory to God #129

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” is a German carol. The first two stanzas date

back to the fifteenth century. The original intent of this carol was to praise Mary. It

is unclear if the original German reading of the first line was ein Rose (a rose) or ein

Reis (a branch).

There are four scriptural connections to this hymn. First is Song of Songs 2:1:

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Second is Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself

will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name

him Immanuel. Third is Isaiah 11:1: A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a

branch shall grow out of his roots. Fourth is Matthew 11: 28-30: “Come to me, all you that

are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, the rose I have in mind; with Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.

To show God’s love aright she bore for us a Savior, when half spent was the night. Amen.

December 9 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily:

to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go.


O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on

Sinai’s height in ancient times didst give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.


O come, thou Root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny;

from depths of hell thy people save and give them victory o’er the grave.


O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home;

make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery!


O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.


O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, strive, and discord cease: fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.


Text: Latin prose, pre-9th cent; trans. Composite

Glory to God #88

During the ninth century, Latin hymns were sung each day during the Christmas

Vespers occurring from December 17 to 23. Each began with “O” which led them to be

called the “Great” or “O Antiphons.” They were restructured into verse form in 1100,

published in Latin in 1710, and translated into English in 1851. The antiphons (psalm

setting or anthem) were sung immediately before and after the Magnificat. The text uses

seven titles for the coming Christ – Emmanuel, Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of

David, Dayspring, and Desire of Nations. The refrain originated in a Latin hymn and is

connected to Zechariah 2:10: Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in

your midst, says the LORD.

O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, strive, and discord cease: fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Amen.

December 10 “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega;

he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been,

and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!

By his Word was all created;

he commanded; it was done: heaven and earth and depths of ocean,

universe of three in one, all that sees the moon’s soft shining,

all that breathes beneath the sun, evermore and evermore!

O, that birth forever blessed when the Virgin, full of grace,

by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race, and the babe,

the world’s Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore!

This is he whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord,

whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word.

Now he shines, the long-expected. Let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven, adore him. Angel hosts, his praises sing.

Power’s dominions, bow before him, and extol our God and King.

Let no tongue on earth be silent; every voice in concert ring, evermore and evermore!

Christ, to thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,

hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be.

Honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory, evermore and evermore! Amen.

Text: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 5th cent.;

trans. John Mason Neale, 1854, alt., and Henry Williams Baker, 1859, alt.

Glory to God #108

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” originated as a text by Aurelius Clemens

Prudentius in the fifth century. Prudentius (348-ca. 415) was born in Northern Spain. He

was a lawyer and provincial governor in Spain and was later appointed to an imperial

military post. He retired at age 57 and dedicated his life to worship and writing.

Throughout his life, he wrote 400 poems and is often referred to as “the Prince of early

Christian poets.” This particular text was written at the same time the Apostles and

Nicene Creeds were being codified. It was originally part of a longer hymn that speaks

about the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the reign of Christ.

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,

he is Alpha and Omega; he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been,

and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore! Amen

December 11 “Love Has Come”

Love has come: a light in the darkness! Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.

See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; hear how their song of joy arises:

Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high.

Love is born! Come, share in the wonder. Love is God now asleep in the hay.

See the glow in the eyes of his mother; what is the name her heart is saying?

Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers. Love! Love! Jesus, Emmanuel.

Love has come and never will leave us! Love is the life everlasting and free.

Love is Jesus within and among us. Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.

Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas. Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!

Text: Ken Bible, 1996


Glory to God #110

Hymn-writer and author Ken Bible (b. 1950) wrote the text “Love Has Come.”

The tune is commonly connected to the text “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella.” It orig-

inated as a dance melody for the French nobility as early as the fourteenth century.

Marc-Antoine Charpentier adapted it for a drinking song in a seventeenth century

play.

Love is used 22 times in the text. There are four connections to scripture.

First is Luke 2:11: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,

the Lord. Second is Luke 2: 14a: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace

among those whom he favors!” Third is Luke 1:31: And now, you will conceive in your womb

and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. Fourth is Matthew 1:21-23: 21 She will bear a

son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took

place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:23 “Look, the virgin shall

conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with

us.”

Love has come: a light in the darkness! Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.

See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; hear how their song of joy arises:

Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high. Amen.

December 12 “Wait for the Lord”

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!

Text: Ref. Taizé Community, 1984


Glory to God #90

This hymn is a connected to the Taizé community in France. The text is from

the end of Psalm 27 and speaks of waiting for Christ’s coming in glory, and also

commemorates the first coming. Psalm 27 is structured in a way that the first six

verses are a profession of faith, the next six are a petition, and the final two are also a

profession of faith.

Psalm 27 - Triumphant Song of Confidence Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—

my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;

though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:

to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, LORD, do I seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger,

you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they are breathing out violence.

13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart! Amen.

December 13 “Silent Night”

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright

‘round yon virgin mother and child!

Holy Infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;

glories stream from heaven afar,

heavenly hosts sing “alleluia:

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born!”

Silent night, holy night! Son of God,

love’s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face,

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;

with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King:

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

Text: Joseph Mohr, 1816; stanzas 1-3, English trans. John Freeman Young, 1863;

Stanza 4, English trans. Jane Montgomery Campbell, 1863, alt.

Glory to God #122

Joseph Mohr (1792-1848) wrote the text to “Silent Night.” Mohr was the

Assistant Pastor at St. Nicholas Church in Orberndorf, Austria. One story of the

history of this hymn is in December, 1818, the church organ became in dire need of a repair. One night, he took the long way home and ended up on a hill overlooking the

village. This led Mohr to remember “Silent Night,” the poem he wrote in 1816. The

church organist, Franz Grüber, wrote the tune so that it could easily be sung with

guitar accompaniment. The hymn was first sung as a duet with guitar accompaniment. It

was first published for congregational singing in German in 1833, and was translated

into English in 1863.

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face,

with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Amen.

December 14 “Sleeper’s Wake!” A Voice Astounds Us”

“Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us; the shout of rampart guards surrounds us:

“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight’s peace their cry has broken,

their urgent summons clearly spoken: “The time has come, O maidens wise!

Rise up, and give us light; the Bridegroom is in sight. Alleluia!

Your lamps prepare and hasten there, that you the wedding feast may share.”

Zion hears the watchmen singing;

her heart with joyful hope is springing; she wakes and hurries through the night.

Forth he comes, her Bridegroom glorious in strength of grace,

in truth victorious: her star is risen, her light grows bright.

Now come, most worthy Lord, God’s Son, incarnate Word, Alleluia!

We follow all and heed your call to come into the banquet hall.

Lamb of God, the heavens adore you; let saints and angels sing before you, as harps and cymbals swell the sound. Twelve great pearls, the city’s portals:

through them we stream to join the immortals as we with joy your throne surround.

No eye has known the sight, no ear heard such delight: Alleluia!

Therefore we sing to greet our King; forever let our praises ring.

Text: Philipp Nicolai, 1599; trans. Carl P. Daw, 1982

Reprinted under onelicenese.net #A-708176

Glory to God #349

“Sleeper’s Wake!” A Voice Astounds Us” was written by Philipp Nicolai (1556-

1608) in 1599 and is known as the “King of Chorales.” Nicolai was a Lutheran pastor

who served at a church in Westphalia, Germany, during an epidemic that claimed 1300

lives. During this time, his thoughts shifted to thinking about the life to come in the

midst of giving thanks for his own life. The scriptural basis is the Parable of the Ten

Bridesmaids found in Matthew 25: 1-3 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten

bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish,

and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them.

The second stanza connects to Advent. Johann Sebastian Bach used this tune as

the basis for his famous cantata, Wachet auft, ruft uns die Stimme which was first

performed on November 25, 1731. One of the movements Bach later transcribed for

organ, and since then it has become a famous organ piece.

Zion hears the watchmen singing; her heart with joyful hope is springing;

she wakes and hurries through the night.

Forth he comes, her Bridegroom glorious in strength of grace,

in truth victorious: her star is risen, her light grows bright.

Now come, most worthy Lord, God’s Son, incarnate Word, Alleluia! Amen.

December 15 “In the Bleak Midwinter”

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan;

earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;

snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;

heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place

sufficed the Lord God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there;

cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;

but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,

worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

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.

Text: Christina Rosetti, c. 1872, alt.

Glory to God #144

English poet Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) wrote “In the Bleak Midwinter.”

Rossetti also wrote romantic, devotional and children’s poems. The text was written

as a response to a request from a magazine for a Christmas poem.

Rossetti describes winter in the first stanza. The second stanza speaks of the

incarnation and the implications of the second coming. The third stanza speaks of the

adoration of the angels and the kiss of the Virgin Mary. Finally, the fourth stanza allows

us to be part of the story by giving us the chance to think about what we would give

Baby Jesus, ending with giving him “my heart.”

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. Amen.

December 16 “Comfort, Comfort Now My People”

“Comfort, comfort now my people; tell of peace!” So says our God.

“Comfort those who sit in darkness mourning under sorrow’s load.

To my people now proclaim that my pardon waits for them!

Tell them that their sins I cover, and their warfare now is over.”

For the herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near,

calling us to true repentance, since the reign of God is here.

O, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way.

Let the valleys rise in meeting and the hills bow down in greeting.

Straight shall be what long was crooked, and the rougher places plain.

Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits God’s holy reign.

For the glory of the Lord now on earth is shed abroad,

and all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken. Text: Johannes Olearius, 1671;

trans. Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.

Glory to God #87

Johannes Olearius (1611-1684) wrote the text to “Comfort, Comfort Now My

People” in 1671. Olearius taught philosophy at the University of Wittenberg, and was

also a court preacher and Chaplain. He compiled one of the most important German

hymnals in the 1600s. Catherine Winkworth first translated this text into English in

1863, during a time of increased British interest in German religious poetry. This is

one of 302 texts by Olearius.

The text is a paraphrase of Isaiah 40:1-5 as referred to in Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:2-3; Luke 3:4-6; and John 1:23. The text from Isaiah 40: 1-5 is: Comfort, O

comfort my people, says your God.2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has

served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double

for all her sins.3 A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make

straight in the desert a highway for our God.4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every

mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a

plain.5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the

mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

The text is paired with a tune that was included in the 1551 Genevan Psalter.

“Comfort, comfort now my people; tell of peace!” So says our God.

“Comfort those who sit in darkness mourning under sorrow’s load.

To my people now proclaim that my pardon waits for them!

Tell them that their sins I cover, and their warfare now is over.” Amen

December 17 “Now the Heavens Start to Whisper”

Now the heavens start to whisper, as the veil is growing thin.

Earth from slumber wakes to listen to the stirring, faint within:

seed of promise, deeply planted, child to spring from Jesse’s stem!

Like the soil beneath the frost-line, hearts grow soft to welcome him.

Heavy clouds that block the moonlight now begin to drift away.

Diamond brilliance through the darkness shines the hope of coming day.

Christ, the morning star of splendor, gleams within a world grown dim.

Heaven’s ember fans to fullness; hearts grow warm to welcome him.

Christ, eternal Sun of justice, Christ the rose of wisdom’s seed,

come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need.

In the lonely, in the stranger, in the outcast, hid from view:

child who comes to grace the manger, teach our hearts to welcome you.

Text: Mary Louise Bringle, 2005


Glory to God #94

Mel Bringle (b. 1953) wrote this text in 2005 after she was asked by a

publisher to write a text with a Celtic flavor. You may remember that Bringle visited

First Presbyterian Church in 2015. The text uses the “thin places” idea where two

separate realms of existence (heaven and earth) come closer to each other more than

usual. This is particularly evident in the first two stanzas. Advent is a time when

references to imitations of things barely heard or seen are used, such as “whisper” or

“the veil is growing thin.” The goal of each stanza is wisdom and compassion. The

final stanza speaks of how Christ taught us about another hidden truth - his presence

(“least of these”) as referred to in Matthew 25:40,45 who we are called to welcome. 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these

who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ 45Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you,

just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’

Christ, eternal Sun of justice, Christ the rose of wisdom’s seed,

come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need.

In the lonely, in the stranger, in the outcast, hid from view:

December 18 “Angels from the Realms of Glory”

Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth;

you, who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth:

come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king!

Shepherds, in the fields abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night,

God with us is now residing; yonder shines the infant light:


Sages, leave your contemplations; brighter visions beam afar;

seek the great desire of nations; you have seen this natal star:


All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son,

evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One:


Text: James Montgomery, 1816, 1825; stanza 4, Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857

Glory to God #143

Moravian minister James Montgomery (1771-1854) wrote “Angels from the

Realms of Glory.” It was originally part of a longer poem Nativity, which was published

in a newspaper on December 24, 1816.

This text originated when he opened the Bible to Luke 2:13 and was inspired by

this text: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God

and saying.. Montgomery’s text gives instructions to different groups of people -

Angels, Shepherds, Sages, and All creation. “Angels from the Realms of Glory” was first sung December 25, 1821, in a Moravian Church in England.

As an aside, in hymnals you will notice the tune name is REGENT SQUARE.

This refers to Regent Square, which is the location of a prominent Presbyterian church

in London. This church is sometimes referred to as the “Presbyterian Cathedral.”

All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son, evermore your voices raising to the eternal

Three in One: come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king! Amen.

December 19 “Once in Royal David’s City”

Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed,

where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:

Mary was that mother mild; Jesus Christ, her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven who is god and Lord of all,

and his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall;

with the poor and meek and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.

Jesus is our childhood’s pattern; day by day like us he grew;

he was little, weak and helpless; tears and smiles like us he knew;

and he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;

for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heaven above;

and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.

Text: Cecil Alexander, 1848, alt.

Glory to God #140

Cecil Alexander (1818-1895) wrote “Once in Royal David’s City.” This hymn

originated when she was a Sunday School teacher and one of her students was having

a difficult time understanding the Apostles Creed. Alexander then had the idea to use

the Apostles Creed to create songs for children.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The line “maker of heaven and earth” led to the creation of “All Things Bright and

Beautiful.” The line “who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,”

led to the creation of this hymn.

Jesus is our childhood’s pattern; day by day like us he grew; he was little, weak and helpless;

tears and smiles like us he knew; and he feels for all our sadness, and he shares in all our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love; for that child so dear and gentle is

our Lord in heaven above; and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone. Amen.

December 20 “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,

and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song?


Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;

come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.


Text: French carol; trans. James Chadwick, 1860, alt. Glory to God #113

“Angels We Have Heard on High” originated as a French Carol, “Les Anges dans nos Campagnes” in the 1700s. It was first published in England in1862. The

original English title was “Harken All! What Holy Singing.” In fact, the text to the first

stanza originally was:

Hearken, all! What holy singing Now is sounding from the sky!

‘Tis a hymn with grandeur ringing, Sung by voices clear and high.

The second stanza originally began:

Shepherds in the fields abiding, Tell us when the seraph bright

Greeted you with wondrous tiding.

The verses were written by French poets and were paired with a Latin refrain

which means “Glory to God in the highest.”

Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;

come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Amen.

December 21 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

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 hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above,

while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wandering love.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,

and praises sing to God the king, and peace to all on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,

where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us; abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Text: Phillips Brooks, 1868

Glory to God #121

Pastor Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) was an American Episcopal clergyman and

author who is remembered for his time as Rector of Trinity Church in Boston. Brooks

visited the Holy Land in 1865 and attended a five hour-long Christmas Eve service at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. He was very moved by the singing at this

service. The same night, he rode horseback from Jerusalem and stood in the field

where the annunciation to the shepherds was thought to have occurred. In 1868,

Brooks decided that he wanted to compose a hymn for children. At this time, Brooks

recalled his trip to the Holy Land and wrote this text. The church organist wrote a

tune, and it was sung for the first time on December 27, 1868. It was first published in

1874 but was forgotten until 1892.

O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in;

be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us; abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! Amen.

December 22 “Blest Be the God of Israel”

Blest be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free;

who visits and redeems us, who grants us liberty.

The prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release;

God shall fulfill that promise and bring the people peace.

God from the house of David a child of grace has given;

a Savior comes among us to raise us up to heaven.

Before him goes the herald, forerunner in the way,

the prophet of salvation, the harbinger of day.

On those who sit in darkness the sun begins to rise,

the dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes.

God guides the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace.

O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease!

Text: Michael Perry, 1973, alt.

reprinted under onelicense.net #A-708176

Glory to God #109

Anglican Priest and hymn-writer Michael Perry (1942-1996) wrote “Blest Be the

God of Israel.” This text is a paraphrase of the Song of Zechariah as found in Luke

1:68-79: 68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and

redeemed them.69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant

David,70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,71 that we would be

saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.72 Thus he has shown the mercy

promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant,73 the oath that he swore to

our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.76 And

you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to

prepare his ways,77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their

sins.78 By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us,79 to give

light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of

peace.”

This text celebrates how the hand of a loving and faithful God has been involved

in Israel’s history, as shown in the fulfillment of the coming of the Messiah.

On those who sit in darkness the sun begins to rise, the dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes.

God guides the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace.

O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease! Amen.

December 23 “No Wind at the Window”

No wind at the window, no knock on the door;

no light from the lampstand, no foot on the floor; no dream born of tiredness,

no ghost raised by fear: just an angel and a woman and a voice in her ear.

“O Mary, O Mary, don’t hide from my face.

Be glad that you’re favored and filled with God’s grace.

The time for redeeming the world has begun, and you are requested to mother God’s son.”

“This child must be born that the kingdom might come:

salvation for many, destruction for some;

both end and beginning, both message and sign; both victor and victim, both yours and divine.”

No payment was promised, no promises made; no wedding was dated,

no blueprint displayed. Yet Mary, consenting to what none could guess,

replied with conviction, “Tell God I say, Yes.”

Text: John L. Bell, 1992


Glory to God #101

John Bell (b. 1949) wrote the text “No Wind at the Window.” He is a Scottish

hymn-writer and a member of the Iona Community. The text retells the annunciation

as found in Luke 1:26-38: 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town

in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the

house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings,

favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you

have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and

you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and

the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house

of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How

can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be

holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also

conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing

will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be

with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

“This child must be born that the kingdom might come: salvation for many, destruction for some; both

end and beginning, both message and sign; both victor and victim, both yours and divine.” Amen.

December 24 “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout”

My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,

and my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,

so from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me,

and your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,

you will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn.



From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;

there are tables spread; every mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn.



Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:

God’s mercy must deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound,

till the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around.



Text: Rory Cooney, 1990; Glory to God #100


This text is a paraphrase of the Magnificat found in Luke 1:46-55: 46and Mary said,

47“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has looked with

favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49for

the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50His mercy is for those who

fear him from generation to generation. 51He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered

the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.52 He has brought down the powerful from their

thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away

empty. 54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the

promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears, for

the dawn draws near and the world is about to turn. Amen.

December 25 “Before the Marvel of This Night”

Before the marvel of this night, adoring, fold your wings and bow;

then tear the sky apart with light and with your news the world endow.

Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace, that fear and death and sorrow cease:

sing peace; sing peace; sing gift of peace; sing peace; sing gift of peace!

Awake the sleeping world with song: this is the day the Lord has made.

Assemble here, celestial throng, in royal splendor come arrayed.

Give earth a glimpse of heavenly bliss, a teasing taste of what they miss:

sing bliss; sing bliss; sing endless bliss; sing bliss; sing endless bliss.

The love that we have always known, our constant joy and endless light,

now to the loveless world be shown, now break upon its deathly night.

Into one song compress the love that rules our universe above:

sing love; sing love; sing God is love; sing love; sing God is love!

Text: Jaroslav Vajda, 1979


Glory to God #125

“Before the Marvel of this Night” originated as an anthem written in 1979 by

Jaroslav Vajda (1919-2008) and Carl Schalk. Vajda is remembered as a Lutheran hymn-

writer who wrote over 200 texts. He collaborated often with Carl Schalk, another

hymn credited to the two of them is “God of the Sparrow.”

This text is unique because it is addressed to the angels. Specific examples of this

are the phrases “fold your wings and bow” and “celestial throng.” Read the text once

more thinking about it from the perspective of an angel. The text speaks of what the

human voice is urging has already taken place. The angels have sung peace, announced

bliss, and heralded love. What will we do with the good news?

The love that we have always known, our constant joy and endless light,

now to the loveless world be shown, now break upon its deathly night.

Into one song compress the love that rules our universe above:

sing love; sing love; sing God is love; sing love; sing God is love! Amen.

December 26 “Joy to the World”

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king;

let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,

while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy,

repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;

he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love. Text: Isaac Watts, 1719

Glory to God #134

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote “Joy to the World.” Throughout his life,

Watts wrote over 750 hymn texts and was known for interpreting the Psalms in the

perspective of the New Testament. The text is a paraphrase of Psalm 98:4-9: 4Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.

7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy

9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

The original title for “Joy to the World” was “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.”

Psalm 98:4 was a significant influence for the text, which causes us to think about the

real reason Christ came to redeem us. Is this text celebrating the birth of Christ or

anticipating the second coming? Or both?

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love. Amen.

December 27 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

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;

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

True God from true God, Light from light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;

very God, begotten, not created! O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest! O come, let us adore him;


Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be all glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore him;


Text: John Francis Wade c.1743, trans. 1841

Glory to God #133

John Francis Wade (1711-1786) either wrote the text or discovered “O Come,

All Ye Faithful” in 1743. Wade was an English Roman Catholic layman who fled England

due to religious persecution. He found refuge at the Roman Catholic Center at Douary

in Northern France.

Wade is associated with the Latin carol, Adeste fidelis, Laeti triumphantes. This

carol was later discovered by an Anglican minister Frederick Oakley. He was inspired

by it and translated it to English in 1841. The original translation began “Ye Faithful,

Approach Ye.”

A scripture connection to the text is Psalm 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow

down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! The use of ‘O come’ three times in the

refrain is a way to communicate the anticipation and commitment at Christ’s birth.

Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be all glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Amen.

December 28 “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground,

the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around, and glory shone around.

“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind: “Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and humankind, to you and human kind.”

“To you, in David’s town this day, is born of David’s line the Savior,

who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign, and this shall be the sign.”

“The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed,

all humbly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid.”

Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising

God, who thus addressed their joyful song, addressed their joyful song:

“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will to all from highest heaven begin and never cease, begin and never cease!”

Text: Nahum Tate, 1700

Glory to God #118

Nahum Tate wrote this text in 1700. Tate moved from Dublin to London to

become a writer. While in London, he worked with Nicolas Brady to compile The

New Version of the Psalms of David hymnal that was published in 1696, and republished

in 1700 which included “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.” This was the first

Christmas Carol to be published in an English publication. It is also important to note

this was at a time when Psalm singing was popular, and marked an important moment in the transition from singing only psalms to singing hymns.

The text is a paraphrase of Luke 2: 8-14: 8 In that region there were shepherds

living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood

before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the

angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for

all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the

Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in

a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,

praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among

those whom he favors!”

“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace;

good will to all from highest heaven begin and never cease, begin and never cease!” Amen

December 29 “O Holy Night”

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh night divine.

v Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend.



Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.



Text: Placide Clappeau, 1847; English translation, 1858

Placide Clappeau (1808-1877) wrote a longer poem titled “Christian Midnight”

in 1847. In 1858 it was translated to English by John Sullivan Dwight. Adolphe Charles

Adam wrote the music. Adam later became a professor at the Paris Conservatory.

When the carol was first written, people came to church just to hear his piece sung.

Since then, this has remained a powerful Christmas carol.

A particular memorable moment occurred on December 24, 1870, during the

Franco-Prussian War. French and German Soliders faced each other outside Paris.

During this time, a young man began singing “O Holy Night” and everyone was

awestruck.

Truly He taught us to love one another His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Amen

December 30 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim,

“Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn king!”

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,

late in time behold him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

hail the incarnate deity, pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,

born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

Text: Charles Wesley, 1739

Glory to God #119

Charles Wesley wrote the text “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in 1739, five

years prior to “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.” The original title was “Hark! How

all the Welkin Rings.” Welkin is an old English word, meaning vault of Heaven.

George Whitefield edited the text in 1753. Whitefield was an Evangelist and

friend of Wesley. It was published in the version we know today in 1753. As an aside, the tune comes from Felix Mendelssohn’s Festgesang No. 7, Lied 2 for male chorus and

brass. Mendelssohn’s Festgesang was written for the Gutenberg Festival held in Leipzig

in 1840. This festival celebrated the 400th anniversary of the invention of moveable

type.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

December 31 “Go, Tell it on the Mountain”

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere,

go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

While shepherds kept their watching over silent flocks by night,

behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.



The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth

rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.



Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,

and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.



Text: Spiritual, stanzas John Wesley Work II, 1940


“Go, Tell it On the Mountain” is an African-American spiritual. The Fisk Jubilee

Singers from Fisk University in Nashville first introduced spirituals to the world in

1871. This spiritual was one of the last to be discovered. The stanzas retell Luke

2:8-20: 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their

flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone

around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for

see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in

the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will

find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with

the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[ praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the

highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15 When the angels had

left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to

Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all

who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God

for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.


go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! Amen.

January 1 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

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 the earth, good will to all, from heaven’s all-gracious King”:

the world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled,

and still their heavenly music floats over all the weary world:

above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing,

and ever over its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long;

beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled two thousand years of wrong;

and we at war on earth hear not the tidings that they bring;

O, hush the noise and cease the strife to hear the angels sing!

And you, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low,

who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow,

look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing:

O, rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing.

For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old,

when with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold,

when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,

and the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing.

Text: Edmund Hamilton Sears, 1849; Glory to God #123

Edmund Hamilton Sears (1810-1876), Pastor of First Church in Wayland,

Massachusetts, wrote the text to “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” The text was

first published in the Boston publication, the Christian Register, in 1850. The text does

not mention the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The use of it at the beginning refers to

“the glorious song of old” which is the Angelic tidings of peace on Earth. The message

of the third stanza is obscured by the noise of human strife. Stanza 4 is connected to

Matthew 11:28-30: 28 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and

humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is

light.”

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 the earth, good will to all, from heaven’s all-gracious King”:

the world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing. Amen.

January 2 “What Child is This”

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?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear, shall pierce him through; the cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come one and all, to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.

Raise, raise the song on high. The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!

Text: William Chatterton Dix, 1871

Glory to God #145

“What Child is This?” was written by William Chatterton Dix (1387-1898) in

1871. Dix wrote the text after he was sick on Epiphany one year. That day he read

the Bible and wrote the text that night. During his life, he was an insurance agent. Dix

wrote several hymn tunes that are still sung today. This includes “As With Gladness

Men of Old” and “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

The tune commonly used with this text, “Greensleeves” originated in Tudor

England (1485-1603). The original text was about a man mourning his lost love, the

fair lady Greensleeves. Shakespeare referred to this tune two times in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Since the tune’s pairing with “What Child is This?” it is very popular in the

United States, but interestingly enough is rarely sung in England.

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come one and all, to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.

Raise, raise the song on high. The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary. Amen.

January 3 “As With Gladness Men of Old”

As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold;

as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright;

so, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped, Savior, to thy lowly bed,

there to bend the knee before thee, whom heaven and earth adore;

so may we with willing feet ever seek thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare at thy manger, rude and bare,

so may we with holy joy, pure and free from sin’s alloy,

all our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to thee, our heavenly king.

Holy Jesus, every day keep us in the narrow way;

and when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last

where they need no star to guide, where no clouds thy glory hide.

Text: William Chatterton Dix, c. 1858

Glory to God #150

William Chatterton Dix wrote “As With Gladness Men of Old” around 1858.

Like “What Child is This,” this text was written during an illness. The text is

structured to draw parallels between the coming of the magi and our spiritual lives.

Examples include:

As with gladness men of old so, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led

to thee

As with joyful steps they sped so may we with willing feet ever seek

thy mercy seat

As they offered gifts most rare so may we with holy joy

Dix also wrote a fifth stanza to this hymn, which was not included in Glory to God.

This text is:

In the heavenly country bright need they no created light.

Thou its light, its joy, its crown. Thou its sun that goes not down.

There forever may we sing Alleluias to our King.

Holy Jesus, every day keep us in the narrow way;

and when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last

where they need no star to guide, where no clouds thy glory hide. Amen

January 4 “The First Nowell”

The first Nowell 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.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.


And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.


This star drew nigh to the northwest; o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.


Then entered in those wise men three, full reverently upon their knee,

and offered there in his presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.


Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord,

that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood our life hath bought.


Text: English Carol, 1823 alt.

Glory to God #147

“The First Nowell” first appeared in 1823 and was written by an anonymous

author. The word “Nowell” was first used in Chaucer’s “The Franklin’s Tale” in

Canterbury Tales. Chaucer wrote “And ‘Nowell’ crieth every lusty man” (c.1395).

The English word ‘Nowell’ is connected to the old French word ‘Nouel’ which

comes from the Latin ‘Natalis’ (of/belonging to a birth) and ‘Nouvelle’ (new) giving it a

meaning of something newsworthy. In English, ‘Nowell’ is a shout of joy used at

Christmas. The text is based on Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 2:1-12.

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord,

that hath made heaven and earth of nought, and with his blood our life hath bought.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel. Amen

January 5 “We Three Kings”

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 night, star with royal beauty bright,

westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again,

King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign.



Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a deity nigh;

prayer and praising gladly raising, worshiping God Most High.



Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom;

sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.



Glorious now behold him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice: Alleluia! Alleluia! Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!

Text: John Henry Hopkins, 1857

Glory to God #151

John Henry Hopkins (1820-1891) wrote the text and tune to “We Three

Kings.” At this time, he was rector of Christ’s Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania,

and was the first Church Music Professor at General Theological Seminary. The text

was written for use in a Christmas Pageant.

(continued on next page)

The scriptural basis for this hymn is Matthew 2:1-12: In the time of King Herod,

after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at

its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was

frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes

of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In

Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the

land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a

ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and

learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to

Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him,

bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king,

they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it

stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped,

they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they

offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not

to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice: Alleluia! Alleluia!

Sounds through the earth and skies. O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright,

westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light! Amen.

January 6 “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright”

O Morning Star, how fair and bright!

You shine with God’s own truth and light, aglow with grace and mercy!

Of Jacob’s line, King David’s son, our Lord and Savior,

you have won our hearts to serve you only!

Lowly, holy! Great and glorious, all victorious, rich in blessing!

Rule and might over all possessing!

Lord, when you look on us in love,

at once there falls from God above a ray of purest pleasure.

Your word and Spirit, flesh and blood refresh our souls with heavenly food.

You are our dearest treasure! Let your mercy warm and cheer us!

O draw near us! For you teach us God’s own love through you has reached us.

What joy to know, when life is past, the Lord we love is first and last, the end and the beginning! He will one day, O glorious grace,

transport us to that happy place beyond all tears and sinning!

Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness!

We are yearning for the day of your returning.

Text: Philipp Nicolai, 1597, trans. LBW 1978


Philipp Nicolai wrote the text to “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” in

1597. The English translation used above and in Glory to God comes from the 1978

Lutheran Book of Worship. Earlier on December 14, “Sleepers Wake, a Voice Astounds

Us” was featured. That particular hymn is known as the “King of Chorales.” “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” is known as the “Queen of Chorales.”

This hymn text is often connected to Epiphany because of the star imagery

used throughout, particularly at the beginning. Christ is referred to as a morning star

who guides and sustains us, and is our hope for years to come. This idea connects to

Revelation 22:16: 16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the

churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

What joy to know, when life is past, the Lord we love is first and last, the end and the beginning!

He will one day, O glorious grace, transport us to that happy place beyond all tears and sinning!

Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearning for the day of your returning.

Amen.

Resources

Daw, Carl P. Glory to God: A Companion. Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press,

2016.

Glory to God. Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press, 2013.

Morgan, Robert J. Come Let Us Adore Him: Stories Behind the Most Cherished Christmas

Hymns. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005.

Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul. Nashville: W. Publishing Group, 2005.

Documents

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