It has often been noted that "He who sings, prays twice."
Music is a beautiful way to express our joys and hopes during the Christmas season as many uplifting concerts are presented. The reason for this phenomenon is that Our Lord Jesus Christ took on flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary on Christmas Day. This marvelous event needs to be celebrated in song as the birth of the Divine Child began building the bridge across the divide caused by the sinful disobedience of man.
The music that has been composed for Christmas ranges from Handel’s majestic symphony the "Messiah," to simpler songs such as "Silent Night." The number of instruments needed to play the music for Christmas songs is not really important for the success of the music. "Silent Night" was composed for a single guitar and is one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.
The most important aspect of Christmas music is its uplifting spiritual or festive qualities. While secular Christmas songs bring much joy and happiness to the season, it should be remembered that Christmas is primarily a religious holiday. This is why religious Christmas music is so important to a culture.
The book "The First Noel" is a compilation of 13 favorite Christmas carols. Given the reluctance of many public institutions to encourage the singing of religious carols during the Christmas season, this book is particularly beneficial.
After the introduction, readers are presented the music and lyrics of "O Come All Ye Faithful." Opposite the music is a lovely picture painted by J. Latham entitled "Christmas Eve." The painting is warm and inviting, and readers will be drawn to the lovely lighted church. Appropriately, the artist shows people arriving at the church to praise Our Lord on His birthday.
The second song develops the theme of travelling to the site of Christ’s birth. This song is the famous "We Three Kings Of Orient Are." The picture is painted by Linda Benton and shows the three kings eagerly looking at the star in the heavens as they hurry to Bethlehem.
The third song is "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." A stunning picture of an angel playing a trumpet has been chosen to represent the song. The painting is so gorgeous that it is a perfect match for the uplifting music of this hymn.
The songs continue one after the other leading to the most famous Christmas hymn of all, "Silent Night." The painting chosen for this wonderful song was painted by Sassoferato in the 1600’s and is entitled "The Virgin and Child Embracing." It is breathtakingly beautiful and conveys the love and innocence of the Christ Child, and touching eloquence and beauty of Mary whom the Angel Gabriel declared to be "Full of Grace."
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" soon follows and is accompanied by lush painting of angels by the Renaissance artist Bernardino Luini. The book then closes with the rousing song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
After singing these 13 songs and looking at the inspiring paintings, I’m sure you and your family will be assisted in having a thoroughly joyful Christmas season. The music is sonorous and the paintings are descriptive of the feelings evoked by the carols. I hope you get a chance to go to the library and check out this delightful book. As well, I wish you and your entire family have a very Merry Christmas!
