I've been to six different Christmas music programs at churches in the community in the past week, so to say I love Christmas music would be an understatement. My proudest accomplishment this season has probably been memorizing the words to “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (If you pass me driving, I’m probably dancing to the Atlanta Pops version). Though that song took some effort, I don’t even have to think about the lyrics to most of the other well-known carols before I belt, which is a truly joyful, boundless feeling that echoes the spirit of all of Christmas.
However, I have come to realize that this way of hearing without listening has no true depth. That's not to say that these songs aren’t for our enjoyment. Most carols are meant to be light and fun and frivolous, but some of these songs that we thoughtlessly sing are incredibly meaningful.
I remember a few years ago I was listening to a holiday playlist as I cleaned my room. “Mary, Did You Know?” came on and I stopped in my tracks. I had never quite realized the significance and magnitude of “when you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.” Today, many of my friends have told me that this is one of their favorite Christmas songs. Not only is it beautiful and haunting, but the song’s lyrics are incredibly powerful. As we’ve gotten older, it has been harder to retain that childhood sense of magic and wonder. We’ve discovered the effectiveness of peeling back the surface-level wrapping paper and reaching for something that truly touches us inside. It’s no longer about the excitement and temporary happiness that fills kids. We now need more. We need new eyes and new ears.
So, before I ramble much more, here are, in my opinion, some of the most powerful Christmas lyrics. Feel free to share your favorites with me and add to the list! Maybe next time one of these songs comes on the radio, they will mean something more to us.
King forever, ceasing never ("We Three Kings")
He will bring us goodness and light ("Do You Hear What I Hear?")
Most of all, most of all, He brought love ("Sing a Song of Christmas")
And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day ("I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing")
I have seen the light shining in the darkness
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn ("I Have Seen the Light")
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
" God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men." ("I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day")
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight ("O Little Town of Bethlehem")
Born that man no more may die ("Hark the Herald")
Beyond the manger stood the cross ("Beyond the Manger")
My whole life is turned around,
I once was lost but now I’m found
A baby changes everything ("A Baby Changes Everything")
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn ("O Holy Night")
