“Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel . . . “
– French processional, 15th cent.
“Oh, come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant!” –From the Latin of the 17th century
“Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;”
Words attributed to Martin Luther, composer unknown
“Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright,” . . . . . Joseph Mohr, Franz Gruber, 1818
“Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev’rywhere; Go tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!” . . . Text & Tune, Negro Spiritual
Every Christmas, we have the opportunity to be linked with Christians across the centuries, as we sing the timeless words, and hear the melodies that echoed into the domes of grand cathedrals, or were sung softly in plain little country churches.
That the haunting, medieval tone of a 15th century French processional, or a Latin call to the faithful from the 17th century are still an essential part of our worship is a testimony of the enduring nature of this music.
The German lullaby, attributed to Martin Luther (16th century) and the sweetest of melodies from a composer whose name is unknown, returns us to childhood, to tell of the birth of “the little Lord Jesus.”
On Christmas Eve, as we share the lighting of candles and sing “Silent Night,” there’s little need for a hymnal as the eloquence and simplicity of the story told in song once again wraps its warmth around us. Christ, the Son of God is born, and we are witness to this gift of grace and redemption.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ over the years and around the world continue to raise their voices in song, proclaiming the birth of the Messiah, our Savior. It is significant that the sources of our music are as widely varied as humanity itself. And so we sing the message proclaimed by those held in slavery, ancestors of many of our fellow citizens, who sang out in joy, “Go tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and ev’rywhere!”
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers