Hymn: /him/ noun – a religious song or poem of praise to God ; verb – praise or celebrate something
Many historical hymns were written to express the faith, hope, and love of Christ’s birth for church services centuries ago. Initially, only voices without instruments were used in church worship. The organ was the first musical instrument included to accompany chanting and acapella voices. There is a direct link between Christmas hymns and the history of music. I found this fantastic YouTube link to “A VERY BRIEF History Of Classical Music (From 1000 A. D. to the present)” https://youtu.be/vfT4xyKQOzY . Everything considered, there is much historical value in these Christmas hymns that are full of faith, hope, and love.
Ancient Christmas hymns are difficult to date accurately. Most still have changed only slightly over the years and have retained their original message for centuries. Steadfastly, they remain traditional for Christmas celebrations around the world today. Why have they stood the test of time over centuries you may ask? Christmas hymns are full of faith, hope, and love and uplift the hearts of those who hear them.
Ancient Hymns Of Faith
I have chosen these Christmas hymns to listen to for a more historical view.
An unknown composer wrote “Christ was born on Christmas Day,” in the 14th century. It was not uncommon for the time to remain anonymous after composing a hymn. It was considered the highest form of worship to give God the glory for the talent that was utilized in its making. Listen to this simply beautiful expressed melody https://youtu.be/otzZeTf4duI.
“Silent Night,” was originally written on Christmas Eve in 1818 by Joseph Mohr. He was an Austrian priest who needed a worship song for his midnight Christmas service. He asked Franz Xaver Gruber to help him and together they created a song that has lasted centuries. Sung in their original German language it might have sounded a little like this rendition when you click on this link. https://youtu.be/MbhxZOOXLvU. This version is in English https://youtu.be/7IBxJV3R9PM.
“The Friendly Beasts,” hymn was originally written by an unknown author in France in the 12th century. It was rewritten in modern English by Robert Davis. I have two links for this one. The adult choir version https://youtu.be/5MN09GAN6iY and the children’s version which has the lyrics to it here: https://youtu.be/NTcPPMnVmy0.
Ancient Hymns Of Hope
I only chose these songs for this section but in my opinion, every Christmas hymn brings the hope of salvation to our minds.
“Good Christian Men, Rejoice!” was written by Heinrich Seuse around 1328 in Germany. This song has played in my head for the last three days. You must listen to this hymn but beware, you may also get it stuck in your head as well https://youtu.be/G3GF-Jc5Kg8.
Christianity.com wrote an article on the “First Noel.” I could have just quoted it completely. I included the link so you could read it in its entirety yourself. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-does-noel-mean.html It is worth the few minutes to read while listening to The First Noel hymn. This arrangement is lovely to listen to. https://youtu.be/yC0C9yV6A4o.
Ancient Hymns of Love
If not for the love of God towards us we would not even be discussing this topic or listening to these. Every one of them depict the never ending love of Christ.
“Of The Father’s Love Begotten,” was penned in Latin by a Spanish poet named Aurelius Prudentius Clemens in the 4th century. This acapella rendition with lyrics sounds just like something from a medieval church service https://youtu.be/Fpsj25M1QdI.
“The Holly And The Ivy,” have always been one of my favorites this time of year. It can be traced back into the early 19th century but the lyrics have been dated back into Medieval times. This melodious version has the lyrics included https://youtu.be/57l6dSbVppM.
Christina Rossetti wrote “Love Came Down At Christmas” in her diary in the 1800’s. Her entry was published without a title in 1885 for the first time. Many Christmas poem publications included it before it became a hymn https://youtu.be/4I6x8lccIz8.
In conclusion, take an extra minute to really listen to and maybe even do a little research on, the magnificent Christmas hymns full of faith, hope, and love this year. Sometimes we just breeze through their timeless messages to us. I think this year in particular, we need to take a minute to reflect on all they represent. Let’s infuse the last days of 2020 with all the faith, hope, and love we can muster. Be blessed!
Very interesting. Kind of neat to hear how the songs where back then too.
There is so much depth to hymns and music that is worth checking out! Thank you!