December 24, 2017

2 Christmas Hymns of Celebration


“O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”—Psalm 95:6 (KJV)

My last article  was about how we have victory through Jesus’ life, death, and love for us. That’s why we can rejoice in good times and bad times. “Praise” is a similar word to rejoice. 

I asked my daughter, Caitlin, to list some praiseworthy characteristics of Jesus. Here is her wise response:
  • Willing to be our Savior
  • Perfect
  • Understanding
  • Accepting
Today, I am publishing the words and music to two Christmas carols. I play in the first video, and Caitlin plays in the second presentation.


Could I Hold the Baby? (cover by Traci Lawrence)

This song is traditionally sung by children. The singers are remembering the true meaning of Christmas. They also want to meet Jesus and glorify Him:

It’s Christmas Eve, I’m tucked in bed, I’m snug and warm, my prayers are said,
I start to think about the first Christmas night—

The manger warm, the baby fair, the star that led the shepherds there
And what I’d say to Mary as she smiled
at the little Christ child.

Now every day the whole year through I’ll think of all that I can do
To be like him and live as He showed me how—

And I’ll remember that Christmas toys are not as dear as girls and boys,
that Jesus loves each one of us endlessly. He loves you and me.

Chorus:

Could I hold the baby? Will he smile at me?
Does he know why he is born and what his life will be?

Could I hold the baby and tell Him of my love?
How glad I am that Jesus Christ was sent from Heaven above.

Words and Music by Rachel Mecham Goates


Angels we Have Heard on High (cover by Caitlin Lawrence)

This traditional hymn is also about rejoicing in the birth of Jesus. Angels and mountains are the worshippers this time:

Angels we have heard on high. Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king.

Chorus:

Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. 
(Note: This is Latin for Glory to God in the Highest.)

Text: French carol, ca. 1862
Music: French carol

My Conclusion

For some of us, this time of year is challenging for a number of reasons. Pain and trauma can linger. I’m not trying to diminish that; I have my own issues. The good news is that Christ was born as our Savior. That is cause for every being on Earth, and in Heaven, to be joyful.

Related Posts


What does Christ’s birth mean to you?


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