turtletwo Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 35 Topic Count: 1,192 Topics Per Day: 0.20 Content Count: 7,264 Content Per Day: 1.19 Reputation: 15,710 Days Won: 194 Joined: 07/15/2007 Status: Offline Share Posted December 9, 2019 One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the Christmas carols. They are similar to hymns in that they draw our focus to the Lord and praising Him. It's hard to believe that it is only 16 days away now. How time flies! I thought I'd start a thread in which we could share which Christmas Carols we like best and why. (If anyone wants to post lyrics they are welcome to do this, too.) 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not me Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 14 Topic Count: 510 Topics Per Day: 0.23 Content Count: 3,178 Content Per Day: 1.46 Reputation: 3,344 Days Won: 1 Joined: 04/06/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted December 9, 2019 2 hours ago, turtletwo said: One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the Christmas carols. They are similar to hymns in that they draw our focus to the Lord and praising Him. It's hard to believe that it is only 16 days away now. How time flies! I thought I'd start a thread in which we could share which Christmas Carols we like best and why. (If anyone wants to post lyrics they are welcome to do this, too.) When I was a kid I use to love to listen to the old time Christmas carols, they always gave me such a sense of peace and joy. Since than I’ve learned is the presence of God... And such a loving God is He... His presence only get fresher and more and more real. Be blessed this Christmas and may He fill you with Himself in a new and awesome way. In Christ, Not me 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BibleStudent100 Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Advanced Member Followers: 3 Topic Count: 11 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 398 Content Per Day: 0.20 Reputation: 339 Days Won: 0 Joined: 09/01/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted December 9, 2019 There is no doubt that Christmas carols have catchy tunes and conjure up strong emotional feelings from our childhood, but I sometimes question the Biblical veracity of the lyrics of these songs. For example, the Bible indicates that Jesus was born, not in late December when the hills around Bethlehem are usually cold and rainy, but earlier in the fall when the nights are warmer. Luke assures the Bible writer that at the time of Jesus’ birth there were shepherds with their flocks in the fields around Bethlehem. This could not have been late, wintry December. So when Christmas carols move the time period of Jesus’ birth inaccurately to winter, does this create a problem for the Christian who desires to serve God with spirit and truth (John 4:24)? Many other examples could be proffered, but even if we are all moved by the glorious harmonies and delightful melodies of Christmas carol, we should not ignore that many of these lyrics promote a false narrative around the birth of Jesus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post turtletwo Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 35 Topic Count: 1,192 Topics Per Day: 0.20 Content Count: 7,264 Content Per Day: 1.19 Reputation: 15,710 Days Won: 194 Joined: 07/15/2007 Status: Offline Author Popular Post Share Posted December 9, 2019 @BibleStudent100 You could've easily started your own thread about this rather than posting it in mine. You are entitled to your own beliefs and opinions, but I just felt it was unnecessary you put a damper on this thread of rejoicing. I clearly stated the purpose of it was to share "which ones do you love and why." You have made it clear that you don't believe in (much less love) Christmas carols. Therefore, the correct thing to do is post your thoughts in a thread that is relevant. Or, better yet- start one of your own This is not for debating...It's for celebrating. The birth of the Savior. I'm sure He loves to hear the praises of His own 365 days a year and doesn't get hung up on the specific date. Remembering with a thankful heart this wonderful event... Whatever day it fell on. Praise be to the Lord! 1 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sower Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 14 Topic Count: 32 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 5,204 Content Per Day: 0.97 Reputation: 5,792 Days Won: 1 Joined: 07/09/2009 Status: Offline Share Posted December 9, 2019 44 minutes ago, BibleStudent100 said: There is no doubt that Christmas carols have catchy tunes and conjure up strong emotional feelings from our childhood, but I sometimes question the Biblical veracity of the lyrics of these songs. I had already anticipated this type of comment (cold water committee) from some 'well intentioned', and was wondering if any of the old hymns would survive the scrutiny. I doubt the composers agonized over the implicit perfection of their tunes, but more the thoughts and emotions of joy and thanks to our Savior. I am thankful for the joy and remembrances they have provided over so many years. True story below, WWI soldiers, German French, stopped killing each other and sang Christmas carols together! “Christmas in the Trenches” One hundred and one years ago, the Christmas Truce of 1914 was a spontaneous cease-fire and a day of Christian brotherhood for both sides of the No Man’s Land along the Western Front. The event was kept secret by senior military officers and government censors as an embarrassing breakdown in military discipline. Military recruiters from both the Triple Entente and the Central Powers promised recruits that they would be “Home for Christmas.” But after five months of war, the Western Front became an entrenched battlefield running almost 600 miles from Belgium to Switzerland. Most of the soldiers were young men from rural villages who had never been away from home. They were cold, miserable and disillusioned in their three rows of trenches on Christmas Eve of 1914. All the hype about God and Country was interrupted by the reality of rats, lice, and endless artillery duels. While senior officers billeted in snug and warm country estates were enjoying fine wine and good meat safely out of range from artillery barrages, lower-ranking officers stayed in the trenches and suffered just as much as the enlisted soldiers. It was these junior officers that permitted a Christmas lull in the fighting. But once the lull started, soon there was singing of religious hymns on both sides. After a while, men in many of the front line locations left their weapons and came out of the trenches to fraternize in No Man’s Land with the same enemy soldiers the propaganda machines had demonized. There had already been a million casualties in the short war and the front lines had not really moved in three months. The troops were coming to realize that the “War to End All Wars” would be a protracted game of attrition. Many of the men who experienced the Christmas Truce were emotionally overwhelmed with Christian love and respect for their fellow man, and refused to fight and kill when senior officers came to the trenches and ordered a re-start of hostilities. Some soldiers were punished for disobedience and many had to be replaced with fresh troops who had been in the reserve trenches the day before. Corporal Adolf Hitler was among the soldiers who did not experience the front line fraternization. The Christmas Truce of 1914 never threatened to end the war. For the next four years, new military technology and logistics resulted in unprecedented destruction and the death of 9 million soldiers killed by November 1918. The vast majority of the soldiers who experienced the unauthorized truce fought on, and many did not survive the war. The Christmas Truce story is summarized in the concluding verse of John McCutcheon’s famous song about the event, “Christmas in the Trenches”: “My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool, Two years ago the war was waiting for me after school. To Belgium and to Flanders to Germany to here I fought for King and country I love dear. ‘Twas Christmas in the trenches where the frost so bitter hung, The frozen fields of France were still, no Christmas song was sung, Our families back in England were toasting us that day, Their brave and glorious lads so far away. I was lying with my messmate on the cold and rocky ground When across the lines of battle came a most peculiar sound Says I, ‘Now listen up, me boys!’ each soldier strained to hear As one young German voice sang out so clear. ‘He’s singing bloody well, you know!’ my partner says to me Soon one by one each German voice joined in in harmony The cannons rested silent, the gas clouds rolled no more As Christmas brought us respite from the war. As soon as they were finished and a reverent pause was spent ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ struck up some lads from Kent The next they sang was ‘Stille Nacht,’ ‘Tis “Silent Night”,’ says I And in two tongues one song filled up that sky. ‘There’s someone coming towards us!’ the front line sentry cried All sights were fixed on one lone figure coming from their side His truce flag, like a Christmas star, shone on that plain so bright As he bravely strode unarmed into the night. Soon one by one on either side walked into No Man’s land With neither gun nor bayonet we met there hand to hand We shared some secret brandy and we wished each other well And in a flare-lit soccer game we gave ‘em hell. We traded chocolates, cigarettes, and photographs from home These sons and fathers far away from families of their own Young Sanders played his squeeze box and they had a violin This curious and unlikely band of men. Soon daylight stole upon us and France was France once more With sad farewells we each began to settle back to war But the question haunted every heart that lived that wondrous night ‘Whose family have I fixed within my sights?’ ‘Twas Christmas in the trenches, where the frost so bitter hung The frozen fields of France were warmed as songs of peace were sung For the walls they’d kept between us to exact the work of war Had been crumbled and were gone for evermore. My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell Each Christmas come since World War I I’ve learned its lessons well That the ones who call the shots won’t be among the dead and lame And on each end of the rifle we’re the same.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReneeIW Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Senior Member Followers: 8 Topic Count: 42 Topics Per Day: 0.02 Content Count: 944 Content Per Day: 0.55 Reputation: 780 Days Won: 0 Joined: 07/06/2019 Status: Offline Share Posted December 9, 2019 (edited) O Come All Ye Faithful is my favorite!❤️ I just love the part “oh come let us adore Him.” O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels! O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord Edited December 9, 2019 by ReneeIW 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvelloustime Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 15 Topic Count: 206 Topics Per Day: 0.11 Content Count: 5,608 Content Per Day: 2.88 Reputation: 11,415 Days Won: 33 Joined: 11/26/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted December 9, 2019 What a great topic, to praise our Lord and Saviour Jesus, through Christmas carols that direct our hearts and minds to the true reason for Christmas. Our Jesus Christ. Thank you for posting this @turtletwo One of the ones I love is Joy To The World. Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love. 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neighbor Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 18 Topic Count: 940 Topics Per Day: 0.35 Content Count: 13,413 Content Per Day: 5.02 Reputation: 8,958 Days Won: 6 Joined: 12/04/2016 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/03/1885 Share Posted December 9, 2019 Can't say that I have one favorite Christmas song or carol. I do enjoy Hark The Herald Angels Sing: Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King, peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcile. Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem' Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail, the incarnate deity, pleased as Man with to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King. Hail, the heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail the Son of righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnthebaptist Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Non-Conformist Theology Followers: 6 Topic Count: 118 Topics Per Day: 0.06 Content Count: 4,361 Content Per Day: 2.35 Reputation: 2,109 Days Won: 0 Joined: 02/25/2019 Status: Offline Birthday: 02/03/1953 Share Posted December 9, 2019 6 hours ago, turtletwo said: One of my favorite parts of this time of year is the Christmas carols. They are similar to hymns in that they draw our focus to the Lord and praising Him. It's hard to believe that it is only 16 days away now. How time flies! I thought I'd start a thread in which we could share which Christmas Carols we like best and why. (If anyone wants to post lyrics they are welcome to do this, too.) I like "O Holy Night." Is that a Christmas carol? And I used to love singing "Birthday of a King" as my mother played it on the piano. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frienduff thaylorde Posted December 9, 2019 Group: Mars Hill Followers: 17 Topic Count: 18 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 13,256 Content Per Day: 5.40 Reputation: 1 Days Won: 62 Joined: 07/07/2017 Status: Offline Birthday: 03/25/1972 Share Posted December 9, 2019 I know of hardly any Christmas carols . Seeing as I grew up quite pagan . It breaks my heart what Rome did to Christmas . Brought so much paganism into a day which should HONOR the birth of JESUS . When we celebrate the day of the birth of Christ , let it be with good and wholesome songs that bring him glory and honor . I see a few already that sounded good on this thread . So let us , as true christains , when we celebrate that day do it with the things that would HONOR HIM . I cant remember Holy night silent night . I heard it so long ago , but I remember enjoying that one . Its not evil to celebrate the birth of Christ , even if we don't KNOW the true day HE was born . But what men and many have turned Christmas into IS DEPRESSING . SO , lets turn it around and keep it HOLY and let it HONOR THE TRUE KING . Keep the entire focus ON HE ALONE and in all things we do or say , as always , LET IT be HONORING to HIM . 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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