but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
This year I am taking a musical walk through Advent, visiting some of my favorite Christmas hymns as we prepare for the greatest celebration of the year! The birth of Jesus Christ!
On the first Sunday of Advent we light a purple candle for hope. I have chosen 3 hymns that represent hope to start your journey to the baby in the manger.
O Come , O Come, Emmanuel was first written in the 800’s! Yes, we still sing a song that was first written in Latin for Christmas Vespers during medieval times. In the mid 1800’s, John M. Neale, a minister in London translated the hymns from Latin into English. This beautiful hymn gives us hope that Emmanuel will soon appear and we will rejoice when he does!
What Child is This originally started out by another name, Greensleeves! This tune has been around for a very long time. It is said that Henry VIII‘s daughter danced to it and Shakespeare wrote about it in his play, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Greensleeves was first printed in 1580, but for the last 150 years it has been better known as What Child is This. The new lyrics were written by an insurance salesman in England, and his beautiful words have kept this song alive for so many years. There is always hope for the Babe, the son of Mary.
Because He Lives was written in 1971 by Bill and Gloria Gaither. It probably doesn’t show up in many hymnals as a Christmas Carol, but I think that it is perfect for this time of year, because it tells of one of Jesus’ best gifts, hope! Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future , and life is worth the living just because He lives! No matter what you or this world is going through, have hope and faith that God sent us his son so that we could live with him eternally.
What are your favorite Christmas Carols? Do you love to sing them throughout the Christmas season like I do? These beautiful songs give me hope and help prepare me for Christmas Day. After all, it’s not just a regular day, it is the most wonderful celebration on earth! Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere! Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!!!