Let Heaven And Nature SING! The story of Christmas Hymns

Songs that honor the sacred truth of the Nativity. Share with your friends.

Christmas hymns have been a cherished part of the holiday season for as long as Christmas has been celebrated. The earliest known Christmas hymn, “Jesus, Light of All Nations,” was composed by St. Hilary of Poitiers in 336 AD—just twenty-three years after Constantine legalized Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

For many centuries, Christmas songs were primarily hymns used in religious services, focusing on the sacred aspects of the holiday. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that a shift began to occur. St. Francis of Assisi played a pivotal role in this transformation by creating the first nativity scene, which inspired greater religious devotion among the general public. This new approach to celebrating Christmas helped popularize carols, which were initially derived from the hymns sung by monks.

As time went on, carols became more accessible to the laity, allowing people to express their joy and faith outside the confines of church services. The earliest carols were often in Latin and were sung during church ceremonies. However, as the hymns progressed, they began to incorporate local languages and cultural influences, making them more relatable and easier to sing for the average person.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, carols were being sung not only in churches but also in homes and public spaces, becoming a vibrant part of community celebrations. Many of the carols we know today, such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” have their roots in the rich history of the Christian lives .

Today, Christmas hymns and carols continue to resonate with people around the world, serving as a reminder of the holiday’s spiritual significance while also bringing communities together in celebration and song. The enduring legacy of these hymns not only reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the holiday but also showcases the development of music as a means of worship and joy throughout the centuries. Here are some of my favorites and the stories behind the songs:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” carries a sound reminiscent of Gregorian chant, and in many ways, it truly is. This beloved carol is a paraphrase of the “O” antiphons, a series of liturgical chants that begin with the exclamation “O.” These antiphons are used in the Liturgy of the Hours during the days leading up to Christmas, known as the Advent season, highlighting the anticipation of Christ’s arrival.

The origins of the lyrics can be traced back to the twelfth century or possibly even earlier. They draw inspiration from the ancient traditions of the Church, where they were used to express longing and hope for the Messiah. The melody itself dates back at least to the fifteenth century, intertwining the rich history of sacred music with the themes of the season.

One fascinating aspect of this carol is that, while it is sung in many languages across the globe, the melody we recognize today was first paired with the English lyrics when they were translated. This particular English version has gained immense popularity, spreading far and wide and becoming a staple of Christmas celebrations in various cultures.

The text of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” reflects deep biblical themes, drawing from the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. Each verse captures the essence of Advent, invoking titles for Christ such as “Wisdom,” “Lord of Might,” and “Root of Jesse,” emphasizing His roles and the hope He brings.

The hymn has undergone various adaptations over the centuries but has remained true to its roots, capturing the essence of longing for divine intervention and redemption. Its haunting beauty and poignant lyrics resonate with many, making it a favorite during Christmas Eve services and other holiday gatherings.

As the carol is sung, it invites us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and contemporary worship. Today, it continues to be a powerful reminder of the anticipation and joy that embodies the Christmas season, uniting people in a shared expression of faith and hope.

The First Noel

The word “Noel” comes from the Latin verb “nasci,” which means “to be born,” and eventually made its way into French as a term for Christmas. Essentially, it means “a Christmas carol” (Merriam-Webster), making “Noel” synonymous with the holiday itself.

It’s believed that the melody of this song has been around since the 1200s. In the 1800s, Davies Gilbert added the lyrics, and it was published in 1823. The song tells the story from Luke 2, where angels announce the birth of the Savior to shepherds, who later follow the same star as the wise men to bring Him gifts.

Celebrating Noel takes us back to the time of His birth, turning the word that marks that day into a joyful anthem. While the angels sang in celebration first, we also get to share in that joy today by singing along.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Inspired by his visit to Bethlehem, Phillips Brooks wrote this song in the mid-to-late 1800s. The prophecy of Jesus’ birth in this small village dates back over 700 years, as seen in Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, of the clans of Judah, are no poor relation—From your people will come a Ruler who will be the shepherd of My people, Israel, Whose origins date back to the distant past, to the ancient days.”

“But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive Him still,

The dear Christ enters in.”

As the song unfolds, it emphasizes the significance of the fulfilled prophecy surrounding Christ’s birth. Beyond the humble village of Bethlehem, long after He ascended to be with His Father, souls continue to find freedom in what began in that small place.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The lively tune of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is quite different from what its author originally envisioned. Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, composed the hymn in 1739 with a request for a slow, somber melody. However, this version didn’t resonate with audiences and failed to gain popularity.

In 1840, the hymn underwent a remarkable transformation when it was paired with a new melody adapted from a cantata by Felix Mendelssohn. Interestingly, Mendelssohn’s cantata was originally written to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press—an unexpected origin for a Christmas carol.

One of over 6,000 hymns written by Wesley, “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” was included in his 1739 Methodist hymnal. While the original opening line was “Hark, How All the Welkin Rings,” where “welkin” referred to “the vault of heaven,” it was evangelist George Whitefield who made the pivotal change to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” a line that has become iconic.

The spiritual significance of this hymn is deeply rooted in Scripture. It celebrates the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, echoing Luke 2:10-14, where the angel proclaims to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The hymn captures the joy and hope of this divine message, emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.

The combination of Wesley’s profound theological insights and Mendelssohn’s majestic melody has made this hymn one of the richest in doctrine. Its vibrant and uplifting tune, alongside its deep spiritual meaning, allows it to resonate with congregations, celebrating the joyous message of Christ’s birth while reflecting on its significance.

The hymn further highlights the titles given to Jesus, such as “the Prince of Peace” and “the Son of Righteousness,” drawing from Isaiah 9:6, which proclaims, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Today, “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” remains a beloved staple of Christmas worship, uniting people in a shared expression of faith, joy, and the profound truth of the Incarnation.

Joy to the World: A Unique Christmas Hymn

“Joy to the World” is an unexpected Christmas classic, focusing more on Christ’s second coming than His birth. This beloved hymn is rooted in Psalm 98 rather than the nativity story and resulted from the collaboration of several key figures.

Isaac Watts, an English poet and clergyman, paraphrased Psalm 98 in his 1719 work, *The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament*, with the hymn’s title taken from the second part of his paraphrase. Watts believed the psalms should direct readers to the New Testament, emphasizing joy and praise.

The third stanza, which addresses redemption and references Genesis 3:17, departs from the psalm and reflects Watts’ Reformed theological perspective on humanity’s sin.

The tune we know today draws inspiration from the works of George Frederic Handel, with parts of his *Messiah* adapted for the hymn. Although Watts and Handel never collaborated, the opening lines of “Lift up your heads” and “Comfort ye” were repurposed to fit the joyful text.

Finally, Boston music educator Lowell Mason played a crucial role in bringing the hymn to American audiences. In 1836, he published an arrangement of Handel’s melodies, naming it “Antioch.” This version became the primary tune for “Joy to the World,” although it remains less known in Britain.

The hymn’s “fuging tune” style adds a lively feel, enhancing its celebratory nature. Ultimately, “Joy to the World” is a favorite Christmas hymn, blending an Old Testament psalm with musical elements from England and America, celebrating the joy and hope of Christ’s promise.

Christmas hymns hold a special place in our hearts, uniting us in worship and joy during this sacred season. Which hymn resonates most deeply with you? Is it a cherished family tradition, a memory from childhood, or the powerful lyrics that draw you closer to Christ? I’d love to hear your favorites—send me an email, and let’s celebrate the music of Christmas together. Who knows? Your suggestion might be featured in next week’s reflections!