The Theology of Christmas Music

Unfortunately amidst all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season we often fail to adequately consider the reason for the season. One-way to assist us in doing that is to focus on the words to some of the older Christmas music, such as: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” or “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, etc.

These Christmas songs often have some excellent theology imbedded in their verses, for instance, look at the words of “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”…

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by Thine own sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.

These verses highlight the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah that Jesus fulfilled. Verses such as: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6 and Micah 5:2