The Glory of Christ in Christmas

I've never been a big fan of most Christmas music. I get tired of the familiar tune of "Jingle Bells" or the mid-1900's style rock versions of "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" and even "Silent Night." But as I get older (though I'm only 22) and see more and more of the beauty of the gospel I find that there are songs that I could sing any time of the year and find great joy.

So I thought it would be fun to write out some of the great less-remembered lines from Christmas songs/hymns. Like last week I would love additions to this short list.

Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. (Hark the Herald Angel Sing)

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,
Here 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! (O Holy Night)

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 all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne. (Come Thou Long Expected Jesus)

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. (Angels We have Heard on High)

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found. (Joy to the World)

Grace and Peace,
Stephen