AWAY IN A MANGER Most current publications of Away in a Manger indicate that the writer of the first two stanzas

is unknown. Others name Martin Luther as the author. The song was first published in an 1885 Lutheran Sunday School book compiled by James R. Murray (1841-1905), who gave the song a subtitle of Luther's Cradle Hymn. The third verse was written by John T. McFarland in 1904. The beloved children's Christmas Carol is generally sung to one of two melodies. In the U.S. the most popular tune is Mueller, while the United Kingdom prefers the melody of Cradle Song. Whatever the refrain, whichever of the variations (see below), and/or whomever is the true composer, there can be no doubt that this sweet song is a favorite of children and adults alike.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen The composer of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is unknown. There is record of it being sung within the Christian Church since the 15th century. The hymn was first put into print for the general public when William B. Sandy included a version of it in his publication Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833). It was subsequently added to various hymnals and carol books. In 1843 Charles Dickens included the song in his famous novel A Christmas Carol. Everybody's favorite villian, Ebenezer Scrooge showed a depth of his sad self in this paragraph from Dicken's classic: ...at the first sound of 'God bless you merry, gentlemen, May nothing you dismay!" Scrooge seized the ruler with such energy of action that the singer fled in terror, leaving the keyhole to the fog and even more congenial frost. Several different versions of the song have emerged over the years. The following are nine of the most common verses in circulation today.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing first appeared in Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739. It was written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788), writer of many significant hymns, and brother of the founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley (1703-1791; See: History of Hymns). One of the most powerful forms of Christmas media is video. Here is an impressive collection of Holiday Video Loops. Hark the Herald Angels Sing was originally sung to the tune of Amazing Grace, and later to the tune of Christ the Lord is Risen Today. George Whitfield (1714-1770), a preacher in the Church of England and later a Methodist minister, gave us the familiar melody sung today.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Edward Hamilton Sears(1820-1876) was a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and a minister within the Unitarian Church. In 1849, at the request of a friend, Sears wrote a poem he called It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It was published in the Boston Christian Register that same year. Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900), music critic for the New York Tribune, and editor of the Musical Times was inspired to put music to Sears' poem. One of the most powerful forms of Christmas media is video. Here is an impressive collection of Holiday Video Loops. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was first sung at an 1849 Sunday School celebration. It has been enjoyed by millions ever since.

Joy To the World The Scripture-based words of Joy To the World were written by renowned Methodist Minister Isaac Watts (see: Story of Hymns) in 1719. The original music score is attributed entirely to Handel. The music familiar to this current generation was adapted from various songs and composers (including Handel) into an arrangement by Lowell Mason. Lowell Mason (1792-1872) was at the forefront of radical changes to music practices of his day. He is considered largely responsible for introducing music into the American public school system. As music director of a large Presbyterian church, he boldly changed the accepted program format from that of professional choirs and orchestras to congregational singing accompanied by organ music. One can almost hear the excitement of his congregation in 1836 as they lifted their voices with freedom to sing for the first time, Joy To the World. Behold, I bring good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. (Luke 2:10)

O Holy Night Despite the fact that O Holy Night can bring tears to the eyes, send chills up and down the spine, and bring Christian believers to their knees or to their feet with applause, the song was the result of a joint effort between two men who, by some standards may not be considered Christian, or even religious. Placide Cappeau (1808-1877) was born in France. At eight years old his hand was surgically amputated following a tragic gunshot accident. In spite of Placide's handicap he went on to win awards as an artist and a journalist. In addition, he studied law and followed in his father's footsteps to become a merchant of wines and spirits. Placide was an outspoken socialist with anti-clerical viewpoints. In 1847 while traveling by stagecoach to Paris, Placide penned the words to a poem about the birth of Christ. He wrote the poem at the request of a local parish priest. He called it Minuit Chretien. Adolphe Charles Adam (1803-1856) was also born in Paris. His father was a composer and professor at the Paris Conservatoire. Early on, Adolphe proved to have a musical gift. He preferred to improvise rather than to study music. At the age of 18, at his father's insistence, Adolphe agreed to begin taking his music seriously. After graduation from the Paris Conservatoire Adolphe went on to write or co-write more than 50 ballets, operas and musical scores. Adolphe was asked to write a musical score for Placide's poem. The music and poem together were named Cantique de Noel. In 1855, a Unitarian minister, John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893)was America's first influential classical music critic. He translated the carol into English. On Christmas Eve, 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor, broadcast the very first AM radio program which included him playing a violin solo. The hymn he chose as the first musical piece to ever be broadcast via radio airways was O Holy Night.

O little town of Bethlehem Phillip Brooks (1835-1893) was well known as a preacher of excellence within the Episcopal Church, and as an American patriot. During the American Civil War he took a firm public stand against slavery. He held a Doctorate of Divinity from Oxford, and was a teacher at Yale University. Harvard University established the Phillip Brooks House, a social services establishment dedicated to "the ideal of piety, charity, and hospitality." Phillip was a published author and was the subject of a biography published by one of his peers. The Episcopal Church held him such high esteem that a statue of him standing near a cross was erected in his honor, near his pastorate. In 1865, Brooks traveled to the Holy Lands. On December 24th he made his way on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem where he attended a five-hour Christmas musical praise celebration at the Church of the Nativity -- just a short distance from the hillside where the shepherds heard the very first Christmas song. At Christmastime three years later, recalling that magical night in Bethlehem, Phillip wrote a song for the children's choir of his church. His organist put melody to his words and on Christmas Eve, 1868, O Little Town of Bethlehem was sung for the very first time.

Silent Night, Holy Night Josef Franz Mohr was born to an unmarried woman, in Salzburg, Austria, in December of 1792. His father deserted her before Josef was born. An illegitimate child of that century and culture had very little advantage unless God intervened. Josef's mother found him a sponsor who provided him with a chance for higher education. Josef chose the priesthood as his profession. Ordained in 1815, he was sent to pastor a church in a remote Alpine village. Three years later while preparing for Christmas services at St. Nicholas Church, Josef experienced an event that would prove to not only bless him and his congregation, but the world over. The church organ was broken, which in Father Josef's mind made it very difficult to plan an effective Christmas celebration for his congregation. The young priest took his problem before the Lord. God reminded Josef of a poem he had written several years before. Father Josef quickly jotted down the words, took them to his organist who composed a tune. December 24th, 1818, with just a guitar for accompaniment, Stille Nacht was sung for the first time. Shortly thereafter, the organ repairman heard the story, took a copy of the song and began to spread it throughout Austria. It eventually came to the attention of a local tailor, Herr Strasser, whose children were singers; local celebrities. Much to the delight of their audiences, the Strasser children added Stille Nacht to their repertoire. The fame of the children and of the song began to spread to the point that the Strasser's were asked to give a performance of Stille Nacht before the king and queen. In 1838 Stille Nacht was published in a German hymnbook for general congregational singing. Germans who moved to America brought their songs with them to the new world. It wasn't long before Stille Nacht was translated into English, and Silent Night became America's most beloved carol. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.(Romans 8:28)

What Child is This? William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) was born in Bristol, England. His father, a surgeon, had written a biography of the poet, Thomas Chatterton, which accounts for the middle name that he gave his son. It also reveals the affection for poetry which the father passed on to his son. As a young man, William moved to Glasgow, Scotland, where he pursued a career managing a marine insurance company (a company that insured ships and related interests). However, his true passion was poetry. Dix fell seriously ill, and was confined to his bed for an extended period of time. He underwent a true spiritual crisis during this illness, and spent much time in prayer and the reading of Christian literature. He came through the crisis as a true man of faith, and devoted much of his later poetry to Christian themes. He wrote a number of hymns, at least three of which have survived to this day the other two being "As with Gladness, Men of Old" and "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus." "What Child Is This?" was derived from a longer poem, "The Manger Song." It was first published in 1865 in Britain, and quickly became popular in the United States as well. The song begins in the manger with the child sleeping on Mary's lap, accompanied by angels and shepherds. But the second verse asks why he would be lying "in such mean estate." It goes on to speak of Jesus' purpose to plead for the salvation of sinners and alludes to the nails and the cross that he will face as a man. The third verse moves to a joyful tone, asking us to bring Jesus incense and gold and myrrh. The reason is simple. The King of kings has come to bring us salvation, so we should respond joyfully in his honor. "Greensleeves," the tune associated with this carol, is a traditional English tune that preceded "What Child Is This?" by at least a century probably more. It began as a love song, and may have been used with popular drinking songs. Today we hear it sung both as a love song and as a sacred song. "Greensleeves" was written in a minor key, which gives it a sad feel in the first two lines. However, while the key remains minor, the last two lines take on an enthusiastic, joyful character that contrasts nicely with the earlier lines. Dix died in Cheddar, Somerset, England in 1898 and was buried in the church cemetery there.

The First Noel The original version of The First Noel dates back to at least the 17th century. In 1823, William B. Sandys (17921874), and Davies Gilbert (1767-1839) edited and added lyrics to create the version we sing today. The origin of the current melody is uncertain. The publication of Sandy's 1823 book Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern has historical significance in that it was the first of its kind to include many of the songs we now consider classic Carols. Songs such as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, I Saw Threes Ships Come Sailing In, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing had their public debut in this songbook. In varied Christmas Carol books the song title will either read Noel, or Nowell. The English word Nowell is from the French word Noel, which means Christmas which is derived from the Latin word natalis which means birth.

O come, all ye faithful The songs of the Christmas season comprise some of the finest music known to man, and this hymn is certainly one of our universal favorites. It was used in Catholic churches before it became known to Protestants. Today it is sung by church groups around the world since it has been translated from its original Latin into more than one hundred other languages. The vivid imagery of the carol seems to have meaning and appeal for all ages in every culture. The original Latin text consisted of four stanzas. The first calls us to visualize anew the infant Jesus in Bethlehem's stable. The second stanza is usually omitted in most hymnals, but it reminds us that the Christ child is very God Himself: God of God and Light of Light begotten, Lo, He abhors not the Virgin's womb; Very God, begotten, not created-O come, let us adore Him. The next stanza pictures for us the exalted song of the angelic choir heard by the lowly shepherds. Then the final verse offers praise and adoration to the Word, our Lord, who was with the Father from the beginning of time. For many years this hymn was known as an anonymous Latin hymn. Recent research, however, has revealed manuscripts that indicate that it was written in 1744 by an English layman named John Wade and set to music by him in much the same style as used today. The hymn first appeared in his collection, Cantus Diversi, published in England in 1751. One hundred years later the carol was translated into its present English form by an Anglican minister, Frederick Oakeley, who desired to use it for his congregation. The tune name, "Adeste Fideles," is taken from the first words of the original Latin text, and translated literally means "be present or near, ye faithful."

O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant; come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; come and behold Him, born the King of angels: Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; sing all ye bright hosts of heav'n above; glory to God, all glory in the highest: Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: Chorus: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Angels we have heard on high As vast numbers of angels swiftly descended toward earth through the star sprinkled sky, the leading angel halted them with a sign. They hovered with folded wings over a silent field near Bethlehem. "There they are," said the leading angel, "the humble shepherds who have been chosen by God to receive our message. It will be the most wonderful news that mortal man has ever received. Are you ready with your great angelic chorus?" The leading angel drifted slightly downward so that he could be seen by the shepherds below. They were terrified! Each one of them covered his face in the brilliance of the light but earnestly listened with awe as the vision before him began to speak in his own language: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Instantly surrounding the angel was the brilliant heavenly host, and echoing through the sky was the most beautiful singing that the shepherds had ever heard, exulting and praising God for the long-awaited gift of His Son. They made haste to see the Savior with their own eyes. The Bible teaches that angels are the ministering servants of God and that they are continually being sent to help and protect us, the heirs of salvation. Certainly their most important task, however, was this momentous occasion announcing Christ's arrival on earth! Although little is known of its origins, this inspiring eighteenth-century French carol has become a universal favorite. This is a French carol that was translated into English by Bishop James Chadwick. Bishop Chadwicks' translation was published in his Holy Family Hymns in 1860. The said carol often uses the tune arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes titled "Gloria." Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains, in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav'nly song? Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. See Him in a manger laid, Jesus, Lord of heav'n and earth; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, with us sing our Savior's birth.

The Drummer Boy Song History (1) Researching this carol lifts lids off all sorts of curious historical 'facts', while throwing bright lights on other, more factual stories. The original music, a lullaby, is said to have been 'collected' from Czech (by a Miss Jacubickova) and given English words by Percy Dearmer for the Oxford Book of Carols in 1928. Having traced both the 'new' English title ("Rocking Lullaby") and the choir itself, I learned that there isn't much about the music, the melody, the old tune, that resembles any aspect of the music of 'The Little Drummer Boy' - not the notes, nor their arrangement, nor anything like the carol - as we now know it. I double checked with another title that comes up in the research, a very legitimizing couplet of words "Hajej, nynjej", that is purported to be title of the the very same Czech lullaby (from which the carol is said to have its cultural roots). Again, the "Hajej, nynjej" is nothing like The Little Drummer Boy - even if you imagine taking out the 'pa rum pum pum pum' stuff, even if you imagine quickening it, pitching it in a different octave, sing it by the Beatles, there is no whiff, or riff or 'pum pum' of inspiration for the Little Drummer Boy. (YouTube recordings of both lullabies are included here). So, although the original music may have come from Czech and may have morphed into a Christmas carol in England, in the early nineteenth century, there is nothing to trace it specifically (though the references beg to differ) to give it an historical oomph. It doesn't need historical oomph of that sort. It's a Christmas Carol that has a history. And if that history didn't start on the lonely woodcutter's accordion in a wood shed in deep forests a hundred years ago, or in the choir stalls of Oxford, then it stands up in the history of show business for more than eighty years with a fan fare. Or better, with a drum roll. My article traces the history of this Christmas Carol "The Little Drummer Boy" by the light of my Twenty First Century candle!

How Little Drummer Boy Became a Christmas Carol It was Katherine Kennicott Davis from St. Joseph, Missouri (1892-1980) - composer of more than 600 hymns and songs for choirs - who composed 'The Carol of The Drum' (in 1941) which was to get into the hit parade (as The Little Drummer Boy) more than ten years later. The drum rhythm that made the tune so special, even then, presumably, had been accidental. K K Davis had written it in order to help the chorus harmonize between a soprano tune (with an alto harmony) and tenor and bass parts - for their rehearsals only, Somehow the notes remained. The Harry Simeone Chorale in 1958 released an altered version of the music as a pop record in 1958, after the famous Trapp Family had sung it a few times. And after the Jack Halloran Singers - a year earlier- had already altered the music for a popular music album Christmas is a-Comin' (not released). Halloran, like so many thousands of musicians without enough savoir faire in the shark's waters of the music industry got shunted off the rails with the church choirs arranged by Katherina K. Davis. Harry Simeone's music "The Little Drummer Boy" became massively popular. It rose high up, as the soprano notes of the original lullaby, in the hit parades on both sides of the Atlantic through the years 1958-1962. There was no other piece of popular Christmas music quite like it. We loved it. This was just the beginning.

How Words to The Little Drummer Boy Are Appealing One hundred and thirteen musicians between 1957 and Christmas 2011 have recorded the song, often including it in their Christmas record release. The music, the words, the soul of it appeals to every type of band, group, soloist. 'Little Drummer Boy' crosses genres, boundaries, borders, beliefs from Hollywood stars like Bing Crosby to rock god guitarist Jimmy Hendrix, from Marlene Dietrich to Johnny Cash. Chicago did a version of it, Bob Dylan did. Shaggy covered it for "Jamaican Drummer Boy". On the column on the right is a short list of artists who 'did' Little Drummer Boy' in one way or another. The endearing lyrics, sung above an onomatopoeic chorus sounding as drums pa rum pum pum pum has 'Humility' as its theme. The story in the song is about a little boy who hasn't got a present for baby Jesus but 'to honour him' he plays his drums for him - "I played my best for Him!" and for this he gets Marys approval. Pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum, rum pum pum pum. Is it because it is a musicians song - that it is so liked by so many musicians? Are the players making music out of the sentiments of the song? Are they playing "I hold my hat in hand, Lord, and I sing for you, or I drum for you. It's all I've got. It's who I am. I play for you?". Do they love these words? Or is it the catchy unique music that either the original composer Katherine K Davis or Jack Halloran or later on Harry Simeone put together? (Or perhaps all three did, combined)? Anyway, between them they created this poor, little soldier boy, an original tune and a popular kind of military rhythm, which sounds as a distant march in the hills of your Christmas imagination. Whatever it is that has captured the sweetness of one of Christmas' popular carols, the Little Drummer Boy drumson in show-business - and round the world - rum pum pum pum. "Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum On my drum?" The History of the Little Drummer Boy Christmas Carol is still in the making.

The little drummer boy (2) "The Little Drummer Boy" (originally known as "Carol of the Drum") is a popular Christmas song written by the American classical music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941.[1] It was recorded in 1955 by the Trapp Family Singers[2] and further popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale. This version was re-released successfully for several years and the song has been recorded many times since.[3] In the lyrics the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was summoned by the Magi to the nativity where, without a gift for the infant Jesus, he played his drum with the Virgin Mary's approval, remembering "I played my best for Him" and "He smiled at me".

Go! Tell it on the mountain (1) In 1907, John W. Works III, a professor at Fisk University and a professional musician, compiled and published Folk Songs of the American Negro, a songbook designed to preserve and promote African American Folk-Work. Included in this book was Works' arrangement of the song Go Tell It on the Mountain (author unknown). This song was known to have been sung by African American slaves since as far back as at least 1865.

In the 1960s Peter Paul and Mary took the liberty to re-write some of the lyrics of Go Tell It on the Mountain , renamed it Tell it on the Mountain, and recorded it as a Civil Rights theme song. In the 1990s, musician Art Paul Schlossel re-wrote the lyrics for kids and renamed the song Go Tell It on the Swingset. It has been popular for many years as a Christmas Carol, and is also sung in some settings as a praise song.

In one format or another since its conception, the anthem of Go Tell It on the Mountain has been sung in the fields, on buses, in the streets, in churches, on school choir platforms and in concert halls. And it has been recorded by more than 20 popular artists, including such big names as Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton and Simon & Garfunkel.

Go! Tell it on the mountain (2) "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is an African-American spiritual song, compiled by John Wesley Work, Jr., dating back to at least 1865, that has been sung and recorded by many gospel and secular performers. It is considered a Christmas carol because its original lyric celebrates the Nativity of Jesus: "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born." Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born. While shepherds kept their watching oer silent flocks by night, Behold, throughout the heavens There shone a holy light Refrain The shepherds feared and trembled, When lo! above the earth, Rang out the angels chorus That hailed our Savior's birth. Refrain Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, the Song and the Story The Spiritual Meaning Behind a Silly Holiday Song Title The Twelve Days of Christmas Christmas is one of the most important times of year to have high quality media in your church services. This Christmas season, take your church media to the next level with professional media from Sharefaith. Weve got exactly what you need. Learn more or click here to get started. The Twelve Days of Christmas originated as a children's poem in a book called Mirth about Mischief in 1760. In the 20th century, composer Frederic Austin (1872-1952) added some of his own words and adapted a melody from a European folk song dating back to at least the 16th century. The song has been a favorite Christmas Carol for many years, although many people sing it without understanding the foundational meaning. Celebrating the 12 days of Christmas is a tradition almost 2,000 years old. The 12 day/night observances begin December 25/26th, Christmas Day, and culminate on January 5/6th, the day of Epiphany (A Christian feast day which celebrates the revelation of God in human form, in the person of Jesus Christ). Over the centuries, different cultures, churches and families have created their own 12-day celebrations. Traditions vary greatly, from elaborate festivals to days of fasting; from providing food for the poor to hanging out a stocking to be filled on Christmas Eve. Even people who don't recognize Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Christ, sometimes unwittingly take part in 12-day traditions, such as hanging a wreath on the front door -- a tradition handed down from the Pilgrims who hung the wreath on Christmas day as a 'house blessing.' The Pilgrims adapted this idea from a house-blessing ritual dating back to the 12-day celebrations of the 4th century. The words of The Twelve Days of Christmas appear to be nonsensical. They do however, have significant meaning.
The partridge in a pear tree refers to Jesus Christ on the cross The two turtle doves refer to the Old and New Testaments The three French hens stand for faith, hope and love The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John The five gold rings represent the first five books of the Old Testament The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation The seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, exhortation, teaching, contribution, leadership and mercy The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes The nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control The ten lords a-leaping stand for the Ten Commandments The 11 pipers piping represent the 11 faithful disciples The 12 drummers drumming symbolize the 12 points of belief in the Apostle's Creed