The Gospel in the Carol

The Christmas season is filled with music. We hear carols everywhere we go, and sometimes we sing them so often that the true power of the words fades away. But many of these hymns hold the core gospel message within their verses.

Take, for example, the beloved carol, "O Holy Night." Written in 1847, the words are a masterpiece of theology. Listen to the passion and truth in these lines:

• "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth."

• "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."

• "Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; and in His name all oppression shall cease."

This carol is not just a nice song about a quiet night; it’s a powerful declaration of Christ’s role as Savior, Liberator, and King!

The verse says the world was "pining," meaning suffering and longing. That’s where the world was before Christ. But when He appeared, the soul "felt its worth." Jesus’ birth didn't just save us; it affirmed our immense, God-given value.

The message of Christmas is that our worth isn't found in what we achieve but in the fact that God loved us enough to send His Son. That realization brings a "thrill of hope" that makes the weary world "rejoice."

My encouragement today is to slow down and truly listen to the carols you hear (at least, those that are Scriptural). Don't let them be background noise. Let them prompt you to worship.

When you hear Joy to the World, think about the King coming to reign. When you hear Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, focus on the glory of Emmanuel, "God with us."

Music is one of the most powerful ways God touches our hearts. Let the words of these old hymns remind you that the most important story ever told (the story of salvation, hope, and peace) is playing out right now in the background of your busy holiday season. Let the songs move you to worship the Savior they proclaim.