(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) The interesting thing to note about this hymn, is that it is printed as almost one big quote, listing what the angel said to the Shepherds. 1 While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night, All seated on the … Continue reading #95: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) The Hymnbook I grew up with is a more modern version of this hymn. The Refrain is the same on all three verses. In the caroling book version I have, each chorus has a different refrain, the second … Continue reading #94: What Child is This? →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild -- God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nation, rise, Join the triummph of the skies; With the'angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ … Continue reading #93: Hark! the Herald Angel Sing →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet it thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light -- The hopes and fears of … Continue reading #92: O Little Town of Bethlehem →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 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, … Continue reading #91: The First Noel →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 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 heav'n's all gracious King!" The … Continue reading #90: It Came upon the Midnight Clear →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains, in reply, Echoing their joyous strains. REFRAIN Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! 2 Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous … Continue reading #89: Angels We Have Heard on High →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 In a cave, a lowly stable, Christ our Lord wan born; From the heavens white-robed angels Sang that holy morn. CHORUS Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Rang throughout the sky; (starlit sky;) Noel, noel! Noel, noel! Praise to … Continue reading #88: In a Cave →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) This is a favorite Christmas Hymn, but it is really a hymn of the second, triumphal coming, not the virgin birth. Note the words carefully. 1 Joy to the world! the Lord is come! Let earth receive her … Continue reading #87: Joy to the World! →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. 2 … Continue reading #86: Away in a Manger →