The arrangements on the above album are familiar Christmas carols woven togther with Mendelssohn's Songs Without Words.  

 

A little about Mendelssohn:

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Felix Mendelssohn was born in 1809 and moved with his family to Berlin in 1812 where he was exposed to excellent teachers.  He made his first public appearance as a pianist when nine years old, and he began to write music when he was ten.  Two of his most enduring and mature written works are his string Octet and his overture to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written at ages 16 and 17 respectively.  When he was 12, he studied a manuscript of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion.  Eight years later, in 1829, his performance of the St. Matthew Passion in Berlin is considered one of the great events in the history of music.  Mendelssohn became a champion of Bach’s works, which had become neglected and almost forgotten.  During his lifetime, he made ten trips to England, where his works were highly esteemed, especially his Oratorio Elijah, which reflects his deep Christian faith.  He also wrote the music to Charles Wesley’s beloved Christmas carol, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing!  Among his other works are his five symphonies, his often-performed Violin Concerto, and the 48 Songs Without Words, some of which are showcased in these arrangements.  Some of these Songs Without Words were written for Felix's sister Fanny, who was also a composer and may have had some input into their creation.

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Some background on the carols chosen for these arrangements:

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I recently heard a respected pastor say that the creation and the resurrection are the two greatest (and most important) miracles that ever occurred.  While not disagreeing with that, I might add a third--the incarnation.

That God the creator would come to the earth, being born in human flesh is almost too much for us to fathom.  To quote from another carol (intended for our next album!), "Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silent.................Christ our God to earth descendeth.."  For that reason, I include here the text of the carols on this album, some history about them, and brief thoughts from the text on the meaning of Christmas with scripture.  These could be used as Advent devotionals if you like, to help us set our minds and hearts on the true wonder of Christmas!

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What Child is This

Text by William C. Dix

 

1. What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

 

Chorus:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

2. Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

[Chorus]
 

3. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

[Chorus]

 

William Dix, the author of this text was one of only a few hymn writers who was not a clergyman.  Trained in business he managed a marine insurance company in Glasgow, Scotland.  However, he contributed many hymns to the body of Christ.  Another fairly well known one, also a Christmas text,  is As with Gladness, Men of Old.

Take note especially in the text above:

– verse two– 

• Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, we have beheld 

His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” 

--John 1:1, 14

 

–and verse three:

• The King of kings salvation brings;
  Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

“ On His robe and on His thigh He has a name inscribed, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

--Revelation 19:16

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The First Noel

English carol, annonymous text

 

1. The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
born is the King of Israel.
2. They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. 

[Refrain]
3. And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. 

[Refrain]
4.This star drew nigh to the northwest;
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay. 

[Refrain]
5.Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. 

[Refrain]
6. Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. 

[Refrain]

This carol is an anonymous folk song, probably from the seventeenth century. Its text was first printed in nine stanzas by Davies Gilbert in Some Ancient Christmas Carols (1823). Most modern hymnals use six of these nine stanzas. The second stanza is historically inaccurate, because it implies that the shepherds followed the star, while it was actually the wise men.  Most hymnals leave this stanza intact, but a few correct the first line or omit the whole stanza.

 

Take note especially in the text above:

–verse 6–

• Then let us all with one accord
  sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
  that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
  and with his blood our life hath bought. 

These words declare that the baby worshiped by these shepherds and wise men is both creator and redeemer. He took our place on the cross and “became sin for us.” (II Corinthians 5:21) 

“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” 

--Hebrews 1:1-3

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Still, Still, Still

Austrian Carol

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1. Still, still, still
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

2. Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

3. Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come

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The tune appeared for the first time in 1865 in a folksong collection belonging to the founder of the Salzburg Museum. The words describe the peace of the infant Jesus and his mother as the baby is sung to sleep. While seeming to be short on Biblical truth, the mention in the last verse of the angels without number guarding this holy child as He entered the world, is profound.  Jesus Christ entered the world at the perfect time and was protected all through His life from beginning to end until it was His time to die and redeem His children and return to the Father.

 

“But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

--Galatians 4:4,5

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I Wonder as I Wander

Appalachian folk hymn

 

1. I wonder as I wander out under the sky,

How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die,

For poor on'ry people like you and like I;

I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

 

2. When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,

With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all;

But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall,

And the promise of ages it then did recall.

 

3. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,

A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,

Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing,

He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.

 

4. I wonder as I wander out under the sky,

How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die,

For poor on'ry people like you and like I;

I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

 

This beautiful song was first written down by John Jacob Niles in 1933, based on an Appalachian folk song he heard sung by Annie Morgan in Murphy, North Carolina.  Under its hauntingly simple melody lies several great truths:

  

–verse 1–

The wonder of God reaching down to us “poor, on’ry people.”  This is sometimes changed to “ordinary people”, but “on’ry people” is more fitting:  

“All we like sheep have gone astray.  We have turned every one to his own way.” 

--Isaiah 53:6

 

–verse 2– The humble birth in a cow’s stall revealing the “promise of ages,” given throughout the old testament:

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government will be upon his shoulder,

    and his name will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

--Isaiah 9:6

 

–verse 3– The humble submission of the Son of God to His Father’s will, when He was in fact the King of the universe.

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“Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”                                                 -- Luke 22:42

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It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Text: Edmund H. Sears

 

1. It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven's all-gracious King."
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.

 

2. Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.

3. And ye, beneath life's crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!

4. For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.

 

One theme of this carol is the contrast between the message “peace on earth, good will toward men” proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ's birth (Luke 2:14) and the war and oppression that dominate the earth. As you listen or sing, think about the coming time when God will make all things new and bring His peace.

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” 

--Luke 2:14

 

"He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." 

--Isaiah 2:4

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Lo, how a Rose e'er Blooming

German carol, translated by Theodore Baker

 

1 Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.

 

2. Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright
She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.

3. This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

 

This “Twelfth Night” German carol from the Rhineland region combines the story of Luke 1-2 and Matthew 2 with Isaiah's prophecies about the "rose" from the "stem of Jesse " (Isa. 11:1; 35:1-2). Stanzas 1 and 2 are a combination of folklore ("amid the cold of winter") and Christological interpretation of Isaiah 11:1 and 35:1-2. Stanza 3 introduces imagery from John 1.

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This hymn may date back as far as the fifteenth century, though the earliest manuscript was found in St. Alban’s Carthusian monastery in Trier and was dated around 1580.  This Advent and Christmas carol expresses and acknowledges a particular tension we ought to be aware of during the Christmas season. Just as, in the prophecies from Isaiah, a “rose,” or stem, shoots up from the stump, so too do we celebrate Christ’s birth in the knowledge that He brings life out of death.

 

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,

and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 

--Isaiah 11:1

 

The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not.  He came to his own home, and his own people received him not.  But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God;  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

--John 1:9-13

 

In the beginning was the Word and Word was with God and the Word was God.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

--John 1:1, 14

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O Holy Night

  Adolphe Adam 

                                                                                     

1. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
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!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

 

2. Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
there came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
in all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

 

3. Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
and in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!

 

–Verse 1–This favorite carol begins with the contrast of the world pining in darkness with the stars brightly shining and the new and glorious morn ushered in by the birth of the Savior:

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The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.                                                                              

--Isaiah 9:2

 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”                                                                     

--John 8:12

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–Verse 2–Here we see the King of kings humbling Himself to be born in a lowly manger in the form of a man. Therefore, He is able to identify with us in all of our trials, and yet as God in the flesh, knows our need and is our Savior.

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For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.                                                       

--Hebrews 4:15, 16

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–Verse 3–This verse describes the love that should transcend all barriers, because, “He first loved us.”

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A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. -- John 13:34, 35

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Sussex Carol

Ralph Vaughn Williams

 

1. On Christmas night all Christians sing
to hear the news the angels bring;
on Christmas night all Christians sing
to hear the news the angels bring:
news of great joy, news of great mirth,
news of our merciful King’s birth.

 

2. Then why should men on earth be sad,
since our Redeemer made us glad?
Then why should men on earth be sad,
since our Redeemer made us glad,
when from our sin He set us free,
all for to gain our liberty?

3. When sin departs before His grace,
then life and health come in its place;
when sin departs before His grace,
then life and health come in its place;
angels and men with joy may sing,
all for to see the newborn King.

4. All out of darkness we have light,
which made the angels sing this night;
all out of darkness we have light,
which made the angels sing this night:
“Glory to God and peace to men,
now and forevermore. Amen.”

 

These words were first published in a work called Small Garland of Pious and Godly Songs (1684). Both the text and the tune to which it is now sung were discovered and written down by Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams, who heard it being sung by a Harriet Verrall of Monk's Gate, near Horsham, Sussex (hence "Sussex Carol"). The tune to which it is generally sung today is the one Vaughan Williams took down from Mrs. Verrall and published in 1919.

These verses describe the “great exchange” that occurs for those who trust in Christ:  His death in our place, sin for grace, bondage for freedom, and light for darkness.

 

–Verse 2–……since our Redeemer made us glad,
when from our sin He set us free,
all for to gain our liberty?

 

“Jesus then said to the Jews who believed in Him,

If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 

and you will know the truth 

and the truth will set you free.”  

--John 8:31, 32

 

–Verse 4–All out of darkness we have light,
which made the angels sing this night;
 

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”            

--John 1:5

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Carol the Bells

Leontovych/Wilhousky

 

Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells

All seem to say, "Throw cares away"

Christmas is here, bringing good cheer

To young and old, meek and the bold

Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song

With joyful ring, all caroling

One seems to hear, words of good cheer

From everywhere, filling the air

Oh, how they pound, raising the sound

O'er hill and dale, telling their tale

Gaily they ring, while people sing

Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas

On-on they send, on without end

Their joyful tone to every home.

 

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"Carol of the Bells" is a popular Christmas carol based on the Ukrainian folk chant "Shchedryk” with music by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, written about 1916.  Its original text was sung to celebrate the new year. 

Peter Wilhousky rearranged the melody for orchestra with new lyrics for the NBC radio network's symphony orchestra, centered around the theme of bells because the melody reminded him of handbells, which begins "Hark! How the bells".  It was first aired during the Great Depression, and Wilhousky secured copyright to the new lyrics in 1936.  Its initial popularity stemmed largely from Wilhousky's ability to reach a wide audience in his role as arranger for the NBC Symphony Orchestra. It is now strongly associated with Christmas because of its new lyrics, which reference bells, caroling, and the line "merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas".

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And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people;  for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”    

--Luke 2:10-14

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Rise Up Shepherds and Follow 

African American Spiritual

                                                 

1. There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow;
It will lead to the place where the Christ was born;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

Refrain:
Follow, follow;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow the Star of Bethlehem;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

 

2.  Leave your sheep, leave your sheep, and leave your lambs;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow;
Leave your ewes and your rams, leave your ewes and rams;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow. [Refrain]

 

3. If you take good heed to the angel’s words;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow;
You’ll forget your flocks, you’ll forget your herds;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow. [Refrain]

 

"Rise Up, Shepherd" was first documented in a short story by Ruth McEnery Stuart in 1891, where she likely transcribed a song overheard from plantation laborers.  Of the many wonderful spirituals we now know, this is among the very few with a Christmas theme. The text reveals the astonishment of those shepherds at the appearance of angels with a message that would cause them to immediately “leave your flocks and forget your herds.”

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And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.         

--Luke 2:8, 9

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When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child;                                                                                

--Luke 2:15-17