In this reading, according to my study Bible, "psalms" refers to the old testament psalms, some of which may have been set to music; "hymns" are songs of praise used in a celebration; and "songs" told of and praised God's acts. These all were used to share what the church taught.
Our church choir had it's cantata of lessons and carols this weekend. It was over half an hour of readings from the Bible alternating with Christmas carols played on the organ, sung by the choir and joined by the congregation at key points throughout. It began with the story of creation, through the prophecies of the Christ to the fulfillment of Savior's birth. It is amazing how prophets long before the time of Christ were already telling of his coming to earth to be the Prince of Peace and Savior for all. What an awesome message they were sharing!
As we sing Christmas Carols this season, may we be ever mindful of the words so that we can sing them with greater meaning, with the emotion meant by the authors, so that all who hear them may be brought closer to God and know the story of the Savior. "Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." We may not know what the hearers are thinking or how much they comprehend, but we can pray that a seed of faith may be planted in some hearts, and that others have their seed of faith nurtured through the carols they hear.
Here is an outline of what our cantata included; perhaps you can use part of it during some of your Christmas gatherings, if you know them:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Once in Royal David's City
a bidding prayer
The Holly and the Ivy
Fairest Lord Jesus
Reading: Genesis 3:8-15
The Sans Day Carol
Angels We Have Heard on High
Reading: Genesis 22:15-18
Angels From the Realms of Glory
For Unto Us a Son Is Born
Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6
See Amid the Winter's Snow
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
Reading: Isaiah 11:1-3a, 4a, 6
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came
Reading: Luke 1:26-35, 38
Good People All, This Christmastime
What Child Is This
O Little Town of Bethlehem
I Saw Three Ships
Reading: Luke 2:1, 3-7
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Good Christians All, Rejoice!
Sheep May Safely Graze
Reading: Luke 2:8-16
Sing We Now of Christmas
The First Noel
What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
Reading: John 1:1-14
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Silent Night, Holy Night
Joy to the World
(from A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols, by Anna Laura Page and Jean Anne Shafferman)
Blessings to one and all,
Written by Jan Andersen
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