Christmas Songs to Meditate and Contemplate The Coming of the King

Christmas surely is a time of jubilation, of great and victorious praise for the remembrance of Christ's first advent. We are filled with joy, hope, and great love. Our outlook in the midst of winter changes from gloom to anticipated hope in life.

Winter is a season where all things of nature either lie in rest from producing fruit; lie in slumber to rest the winter away; or simply spread a white blanket upon the earth's ground so that nothing can grow from below. The sun doesn't shine so brightly, some days not at all, clouds cover the skies, rain pours down and a cold gust of winter's breath can stop many in their tracks.

Yet, as believers, during the dreary winter month of December our spirit begins to stir within us with enthusiastic hope and joy in the knowledge that the commemoration of Christ's coming to earth to bring life eternal to all who believe is soon approaching. How can we not rejoice? How can we not reflect on the greatest gift God has given us? How can we not meditate and contemplate on this most magnificent occasion?

I asked myself why not inspire my brothers and sisters in Christ to join with me in meditation and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ? Better yet, how can I encourage the brethren to take time out during this season to sit in His presence and ponder on God's faithfulness and love?

I had a simple idea, perhaps if I share a few videos of Christmas songs that mean so much to me and have touched my heart in various ways and in different times throughout the years it may draw the brethren to contemplate on the radiance and glory of our God and King.

Each song hand chosen, bringing a story to tell, each one praising God for His marvelous work; a sacrifice that often has led me to approach the Lord with gratitude and humility, Understanding that as I am drawn near to Him by His grace and mercy, I stand in awe knowing our Lord and King, full of Glory and radiant Light, came down to earth, wrapped His self up in human flesh and in His Person consummated the promise of Messiah ... just for me ... just for you.

I have tried to place the songs in which they could be meditated upon Christ's first advent.

I begin with "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" is derived from the "Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn" from the Litany of St. James, written during the 4th century inspired by the prophet Habakkuk 2:20. It is a French Christmas Carol and a call for all mankind to be still in awe as we see the Father send His only Begotten Son to earth and enveloped Him in flesh. It is a sacred moment and should not be taken lightly.

The second song is a Christmas Hymn written by Charles Wesley, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" A beautiful hymn that depicts the hearts of those who were waiting with hope for the coming Messiah. The song speaks of what Messiah would accomplish and how the people awaiting His arrival have seen the salvation of the Lord.

The third song is a Spiritual Christmas Song, the original author is unknown. It is sung throughout the Appalachian territory. In the rendition I have picked the song is sung my Mahalia Jackson. "What Can I Give" As one approaches the King of kings lying in a manger, so lowly and humble, one can't help but ask one's self, "what can I possibly give Him that He doesn't own already?" In this song you will come to the one and only thing we can give. As you hear Mahalia's version of this song, try to envision yourself being the person spoken of in the song, and I pray you come to the conclusion that the song declares

The fourth song is an English Traditional Christmas Song "The Sussex Carol" written by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1919. It is uplifting and filled with the knowledge that all Christians should come and sing about the King's birth and all that His birth will bring about for mankind. It is a song for the community of God's people to declare His victory over death, sickness and darkness. Praise be to God for His indescribable gift!

The fifth song is a contemporary song by Michael W Smith "Christmastime" A song calling out for all carolers to join in worship and praise with the angels about the Good News "tidings of good cheer"; and a simple reminder Christmas Time is Here, Let's not be silent about this "good news" but share it with all the world.

The final song comes from Handel's Messiah, composed by George Frideric Handel. I can't fathom Christmastime without listening to the complete Oratorio at least once. The oratorio is composed in three parts: 1. The Annunciation; 2.The Passion; 3. The Aftermath. The Hallelujah Chorus is at the end of part two of the oratorio and is inspired by Revelation 11:15; 19:6,16. In recent years it has been used as closure in Christmas concerts. The Hallelujah Chorus concludes with a triumphant resounding praise to our God and King. The crescendo makes my heart skip a beat and brings about a conviction in my soul that all has been made right through the First Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ and the promise of the Second Advent is sure to come.

I pray you are blessed as I have been blessed each time I listen to these songs throughout the years. I love you with the love of the Lord and I pray that you will know the depth of God's love for you and yours during this season of Holy Days.

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
ponder nothing earthly-minded,
for with blessing in his hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
as of old on earth he stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
in the body and the blood;
he will give to all the faithful
his own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
spreads its vanguard on the way,
as the Light of light descendeth
from the realms of endless day,
that the powers of hell may vanish
as the darkness clears away.

At his feet the six-winged seraph,
cherubim, with sleepless eye,
veil their faces to the presence,
as with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord Most High!

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee. 
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

What can I give a baby so fair, on this holy morn?

What can I give Him, lying there on Mary's breast so warm?

What can I give, as poor as I am?

Heavenly holy child, was I a shepherd, I'd give him a lamb.

Sweet little Jesus, so mild, the night is cold, the darkness breaking.

The snow has covered all the earth.

The trumpet sounding; The angels praying

Praises to his glorious birth

What can I give Mary's child on this holy morn?

I give my love, that is all I have.

And then I give my heart,

Sussex Carol

On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring.
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring.
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful King's birth.

Then why should men on earth be so sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad?
Then why should men on earth be so sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad?
When from our sin he set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.

When sin departs before his grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
When sin departs before his grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the new-born King.

All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night;
All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night;
"Glory to God, and peace to men,
Now and forever more. Amen."

Ring christmas bells
Ring them loud with the message bringing
Peace on the earth
Tidings of good cheer
Come carolers
Come and join with the angels singing
Joy to the world
Christmastime is here again

Children gather around and listen
You'll hear the sound
Of angels filling the sky
Telling everyone
Christmas time is here

Loved ones close to our hearts
And strangers in lands afar
Together share in the joy
Emmanuel
He has come to dwell
With one voice
Let the world rejoice

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!