I love Christmas music, but there is a lot of Christmas music that I personally cannot stand. Christmas songs that have the word “Baby” in the title, tend to repulse me, nor do I particularly like modern pop-Christmas music. Play the hymns please. If you, like me, prefer to listen to listen to the classic old carols and might be a little tired of “Joy to the World” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, then here are a few beautiful ones worth listening to.
1. The Wexford Carol
This is an ancient carol that originated in Wexford, Ireland, hence the name. It is not sung that commonly now. It tells of the nativity. You can listen to it here.
2. Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
This hymn can be sung year-round, but it is mainly sung during Advent. The title is based on Habakkuk 2:20, and it tells of Christ’s coming with beautiful mystic imagery. You can listen to it here.
3. In the Bleak Mid-Winter
The lyrics of this song were written by Christina Rossetti, whereas the music was composed by Gustav Holst. The carol is sung more commonly in the UK than the United States, but it is beautiful. The lyrics juxtapose the coming of Christ against the death and bleakness of the cold of winter. You can listen to it here.
4. Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella
This is an originally French carol titled “Un Flambeau Jeanette Isabella”. It tells of coming to see the baby Jesus. You can listen to it here.
5. The Snow Lay on the Ground
This is another carol that juxtapositions Christ’s birth with the dead of winter. It also combines Latin with English. It offers another call to worship Jesus. You can listen to it here.
