At least four people brought the now-inviolable hymn to its current form.
Gordon Giles, excerpted from O Come Emmanuel: A Musical Tour of Daily Readings for Advent and Christmas. | posted 12/14/2007 08:32AM
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 ...
I like O Holy Night. I can relate to the words "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth." Beautifully dramatic music, too.
Scott
Posted: December 17, 2007 10:23 AM
I'm curious as to why Whitfield is faulted for altering the lyric to read "Glory to the newborn King." Is there some question as to whether Christ should receive glory or whether Christ is a King or whether glory to Christ is anything other than glory to God? To lay this off on Whitefield's Calvinism is surely a mistake. In fact, to consider the change a liability to the hymn is altogether odd.
Lynn
Posted: December 15, 2007 11:56 PM
I love the song "O Holy Night". The words are phenomenal, when you think of the chorus alone, "Fall on your knees. O hear the angel voices", how can you not be in awe of the power and beauty of Christ's birth.
H. D. Schmidt
Posted: December 15, 2007 9:53 AM
Excellent story! Not being a musician, there is nothing more insulting to the author of a peace of music and irritating to me when so many are being arranged! My conclusion is that those arrangers are not able to produce their own, hence they wish to sort of prove it to others, as they arrange. I would not be surprised that arrangers keep arranging previous arranged music. Yes, to the real core of the way Jesus entered this sinful planet. Yes, the conception story is always read. Yes, Jesus in the manger, of course. So, here is my question: Why did God choose 9 month of pregnancy? One never hears as to the message God sent along with it! Yes, telling the world that every unborn is a human being from conception and therefore ruling that abortion is murder. Yet, many Christian pulpits never ever condemn abortion, while preaching their hearts out telling their listeners that Jesus showed humility while "choosing" to be borne in a mention. The 9 months get zero for Jesus' humility!
Gregg
Posted: December 14, 2007 6:04 PM
My favorite Christmas song is "Carol of the Bells". Not that everyone can sing it, but it's beautiful to listen too. I also like, "We Three Kings", "I Saw Three Ships", and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". There are so many good songs out there!
Tejeanne
Posted: December 14, 2007 5:22 PM
My favorite is Angels We Have Heard on High. All four verses of this French carol are thrilling to hear.
Moises
Posted: December 14, 2007 3:47 PM
I think "O Holy Night" does it for me,I'm surprised it's not included in the list.
The words in this song speaks about worshipping a new born king, and that's what everyone that evening came to do. Even the shepherds who were considered
the least of all had a right to worship,because it was ordained from up above.
Remember "Jesus is the reason for the season".
Martin
Posted: December 14, 2007 2:18 PM
Joy to the World was not intended to be a Christmas song but is rather about the second coming of Christ.
Ann
Posted: December 14, 2007 1:15 PM
I can't help put in a plug for "Oh Little town of Bethlehem" , especially if you listen to all the verses. The next time you hear the tune, meditate on these words, and pray for the other bystanders who may not know the Lord:
Oh Holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray.
Cast out our sin, and enter in
Be born in us today.
Peggy
Posted: December 14, 2007 1:08 PM
I would pick "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." Its words are particularly applicable today.
Julie
Posted: December 14, 2007 11:49 AM
Why didn't Christianity Today include "O Holy Night" in its poll on favorite Christmas hymns? It's always been my favorite, and many people I know feels the same way. It captures the essence of the meaning of Christmas!
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