Evil Christmas Carols?

a small nativity purchased when hubby spent a few weeks in January in an RV park

I truly love Christmas - the lights, the goodies, the gift giving, the sparkle, the carols, the focus on our Savior born so long ago, the gatherings of family and friends.  We enjoyed a second singing of the "Messiah" at BJU on Saturday night followed by Peppermint Pancake Puppies at Denny's.  I enjoyed being out looking at Christmas lights last night with my hubby.  It was a gray night and there was a low fog, but it cut down on the traffic through a local "Christmas town."  Unfortunately, it seems that there is a movement among Christians to vilify Christmas because of all of the commercialization.  "The carols are empty," "there is too much worship of a baby and not His work," "we lose our focus with all of the trimmings."

May I answer the first claim.  There are some carols with little meaning, but not all.  I always enjoy the singing of the "Messiah" through the Christmas season.  Who can say that the singing of Scripture is empty?  One of hubby's favorites is "What Child is This?"  The first time I heard him singing it, I did not recognize it.  Our common hymnbooks take out some of the meat and the meaning of his birth adding a repetitive chorus instead of the full verse.  Enjoy the verses of this precious carol, especially the gospel in verse 2.

"What Child is This?"

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?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring Him laud the babe the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

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

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross He bore for me, for you:

Hail, hail the Word made flesh - the babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh - come peasant, king to own Himl

The King of Kengs salvation brings let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high - the Virgin sings her lullaby:

Joy, joy for Christ is born - the babe, the Son of Mary.