The Gospel According to Christmas Carols
2023 Advent Worship Series
Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit like hearing those familiar lyrics and melodies. Do you
have a favorite Christmas Carol? These songs epitomize the Christmas season as they are sung in church,
make the playlist on secular radio stations, and provide the soundtrack for our holiday shopping. These
beloved carols carry deep theological truths, rich biblical imagery, and a clear understanding of the
meaning of Christ’s birth. Luke’s Gospel will be our biblical companion to O Little Town of Bethlehem, O
Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Mary, Did You Know?, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. So warm up those
vocal chords as we sing our way through Advent and learn from “The Gospel according to Christmas
Carols.”
November 26
Micah 5:2-5a; Matthew 2:1-6
In contrast to some of the grander carols bursting forth glory to God in the highest, Rev. Phillips
Brooks wanted to write something peaceful and soothing. The Civil War had just ended and Brooks had
just spoken at President Lincoln’s unexpected funeral. Exhausted, Brooks thought he would renew
himself in the Holy Land and found himself in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. A few years later he would
write this children’s song and the intimacy of that holy birth. This soothing hymn becomes personal in
the later stanzas, eventually becoming a prayer. Might this be your prayer, “O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel”?
Reflection Questions: Do you prefer the soft, peaceful carols like this one or the louder more
joyful ones? Where have been places that you experienced renewal? What is your prayer to the Christ
child on this Christmas Eve Day?
Listen to “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
December 3
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Isaiah 7:14, Proverbs 8:22-31,
Exodus 24:15-17, 31:18, Isaiah 11:1-2,
Isaiah 22:22, Luke 1:78-79, Haggai 2:7
This chant dating back to the 8th century not only celebrates the birth of Jesus but also prepares
our hearts for Jesus’ return. The lyrics move from the shadows of the Old Testament into the light of the
New Testament with the incarnation of God in Christ. The mood is longing, aching, hoping, yearning.
One author described it as a “sorrowful joy.” We will learn more about the various names for Jesus
described in each verse, their biblical roots, and the meaning of those names for us today.
Reflection Questions: Which of the seven names do you resonate with the most? What unique
name would you give Jesus and what would its significance be? When have you experienced “sorrowful
joy,” especially around the holiday season?
Listen to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” O Come O Come Emmanuel (arr. Booth) 7 Verses –
YouTube
December 10
Mary, Did You Know?
Luke 1:26-56
Perhaps it’s not technically a carol, but this recently written Christmas song has quickly become
a favorite for many. While Mary agreed to be part of God’s plan for the world, did she really know what
she said yes to? Do any of us really know what’s in store when we say, “Yes” to God? The angel did tell
Mary a few things about her child. What were they and why are they important? Through her song we
now call the “Magnificant,” Mary tells us what she did know about who God is and what her baby would
accomplish. This Sunday we explore what Mary knew when she delivered the one who would deliver
her.
Reflection Questions: If you could have a cup of coffee with Mary, what questions would you
want to ask her? Which of the questions in the song are the most intriguing to you? How might you
imagine Mary answering some of these questions?
Listen to “Mary, Did You Know?”
December 17
Love Was Born a King
Luke 2:1-7
This musical tells the story of a choir director trying to have a Christmas Cantata rehearsal, but
gets very distracted by the unexpected chaos around the church when the local homeless come to stay.
In the process of problem solving, small miracles happen along the way.
December 24
10:00 Scripture and Song Christmas Eve Service Various Scriptures
The Christmas story will be read interspersed with Christmas songs in this Lesson and Carol
format, complete with communion and candlelight, as we retell the birth of our Savior.
3:00 Contemporary Christmas Eve Service
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Luke 2:8-12
With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Jesus Christ is, indeed, born this
day as we celebrate the inbreaking of God into human existence. These three stanzas (although John
Wesley wrote 5 verses) are rich in theological and biblical meaning as they articulate the significance of
Jesus’ birth. This “Hymn for Christmas Day” (as it was originally titled) rings out with joy as we celebrate
this special night. So let us join with the angels as we too sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” in this
contemporary format with the praise team, communion, and candlelight.
Reflection Questions: How is Jesus the King of your life? Have you been reconciled to God in
Jesus Christ and if so, what does that mean to you? How does Jesus’ birth impact what you believe and
how you live?
Listen to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
5:00 Family Bell Service
This KGPC tradition in a shortened child-friendly format filled with the ringing of bells, Christmas
songs, and an original retelling of the Christmas story.
7:00 Traditional Christmas Eve Service
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Luke 2:8-12
With the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Jesus Christ is, indeed, born this
night as we celebrate the inbreaking of God into human existence. These three stanzas (although John
Wesley wrote 5 verses) are rich in theological and biblical meaning as they articulate the significance of
Jesus’ birth. This “Hymn for Christmas Day” (as it was originally titled) rings out with joy as we celebrate
this special night. So let us join with the angels as we too sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” with the
choir, communion, and candlelight.
Reflection Questions: How is Jesus the King of your life? Have you been reconciled to God in
Jesus Christ and if so, what does that mean to you? How does Jesus’ birth impact what you believe and
how you live?
Listen to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”