Advent Carols
From the Museum of the Bible
Unlike retail stores today, which start playing Christmas music in November, carols were intended to be sung from Advent—the period observed the first of the four Sundays before Christmas—until Christmas Day. Christmas’s conclusion is marked by the feast of Epiphany (usually January 6), the day Christians celebrate the revelation of baby Jesus and when carols often stop.
So, what makes a carol a Christmas carol? They are commonly defined as uplifting melodies with minor and diminished chords, such as in God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, which is centered upon the birth of Jesus and focuses on the story of hope, joy, and humility.
The lyrics of O Come, O Come Emmanuel go back to at least the twelfth century, and the melody as far back as the fifteenth century. Although the song is sung in many languages, the same melody is used everywhere; the tune was first put to the lyrics when it was translated into English.
Why all the history? Because it matters. It shows that the account of Jesus’ birth has been documented and continued for thousands of years.
O Come, All Ye Faithful, 1751. Silent Night, 1818. O, Holy Night,1847. What Child is This, 1865. Away in a Manger, 1885. The Little Drummer Boy, 1940.
All these carols and more show the Bible’s influence in their lyrics, reminding us of its impact every time they’re sung. As you sing your favorite Christmas carols this season, remember the event that started it all, captured in the first Christmas carol, when the angel announced the birth of Jesus and the heavenly host sang: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”