Traditional Christmas Carols - Religious

Christmas carols differ from other Christmas music in that they are traditional hymns with Christmas themes. Christmas carols pre-date modern Church history, and many do not have Christian themes. However, religious Christmas carols were adopted long ago by the Church and continue to be used in Christmas services and worship throughout the season of Advent.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem

This Christmas carol introduces us to the town and the spirit surrounding Christ's birth. The significance of the song is that it points to the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Christ's birth that He would be born in Bethlehem, of Judea. The fulfillment of this prophecy was made possible by Caesar Augustus' decree that there be a census taken of everyone in his home town. Joseph was from Bethlehem, the City of David, and while Joseph and Mary were there Jesus was born.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Away in a Manger

Based on the Scripture in the book of Luke which says the angels told the shepherds they would find the new born King lying in a manger, this song has become a classic. The words are pastoral and picturesque as they take us to the time when a baby, who was also the Savior of the World, was laid in a feeding trough, because there was nowhere else to lay him on that night in Bethlehem.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

From a lowly manger to a hillside where angels sang out the good news to shepherds was born the uplifting, traditional hymn Away in a Manger. Their purpose was to notify the shepherds that the One who came to be the Shepherd of all mankind had arrived. The angels announced His birth and we remember that joyous occasion as we sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Angels from the Realms of Glory

Angels from the Realms of Glory is another hymn that heralds the birth of the Savior. It often seems that some of the verses of this great Christmas carol are less well known than Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, but it is no less powerful. It places emphasis on the message and meaning of the nativity.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Do You Hear What I Hear?

This Christmas Carol is a beautiful classic that idealizes the experience that many may have felt the first Christmas night. Sung by kids and adults alike, this classic carol evokes the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Silent Night

What a beautiful picture this song presents of the night our Savior was born. While I don't believe it was a silent night, with angels singing and crowded streets of Bethlehem, this is one of my favorite Christmas carols. It speaks to the peaceful advent of Jesus, but more than that I believe it speaks to the peace that the Prince of Peace is still offering the world.

Traditional Christmas Carols: The First Noel

This Christmas carol, probably better than any other, gives us a synopsis of the Christmas story. There is so much value in this carol's ability to preserve the truths and traditions associated with Christmas. It is a song that carries us back, back to the field of Shepherd, back to the manger, back to the place where Eternity intersected time.

Traditional Christmas Carols: We Three Kings

While I have doctrinal issues with this Christmas carol, it is ingrained is ingrained in the traditions of Christmas. It is an ode to the magi who traveled from the east to find and worship the baby born a King. In the song we celebrate the gifts that were given to the child; gold, frankincense, and myrrh; honoring His royalty.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Oh Come All Ye, Faithful

A wonderful hymn of worship throughout the year, Oh Come All Ye, Faithful beckons each of us to the manger, to look upon the face of the one who came to give His life for us. The song is a clarion call to the world that it is to Jesus we must come and Him we should adore, rather than the tinsel, lights, and gifts that so easily distract our attention during the holiday season.

Traditional Christmas Carols: Joy to the World

Joy to the World is a celebratory song rejoicing in the Advent. Because Jesus came, died for the sins that separate us from God and lives again, we too shall live. Because of the baby born in a manger we were given eternal hope.

Traditional Christmas Carols of the faith are not always accurate in their portrayal of the Christmas story, but their value cannot be underestimated. These songs remind us of the gift of mercy, grace, and love that God gave us at Christmas time. As you enjoy these Christmas carols throughout the season reflect on the One who would leave the splendor of heave, take on flesh, and live to die that we might live with Him eternally.