I’ve attended church most of my life. For you mathematicians, probably 80% of my seven decades on this earth. That’s how much I’ve attended … paying attention while there is another matter altogether. So when I started listening to our current sermon series, I was flabbergasted to learn there are actually songs of Christmas in the Gospel of Luke! I kid you not. (Pastor, if you’re reading this, you’ll be glad to know I HAVE paid attention in service.) Let me tell you about these songs.
Every Christmas we hear traditional and non-traditional Christmas songs … lots of them! But in the Book of Luke, we find four songs connected to the birth of Jesus in some way. These songs help prepare us for Christ’s birth.
Mary’s song, known as the Magnificat, found in Luke 1:39-56, tells Mary’s story as she visits her cousin Elizabeth. Elizlabeth tells Mary as soon as she heard Mary’s greeting, the baby inside her moved with gladness. After receiving Elizabeth’s blessing, MaRy breaks into song. She states that she herself is lowly, but God has remembered her and that all generations will call her blessed. She praises God for all He has done. Mary’s song reminds us that we can trust that God is working in our lives before we even see his plan come into fruition.
The next song is Zechariah’s song, known as the Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79). He had been silent since the Angel Gabriel first prophesied that his wife Elizabeth would bear them a son in their old age. Because of Zechariah’s disbelief, he was unable to speak. However, when their son was circumcised, Zechariah indicated by writing on a tablet that the baby’s name would be John, even though no-one in their family had that name. From that moment, Zechariah was able to speak again. The first thing he does is praise God, singing of God’s goodness and faithfulness.His song alludes to many Old Testament events. He shares how God has provided them with a saviour who is a descendent of David. Zechariah sings about John’s destiny as a prophet for the Most High God, preparing the way of the Lord.
The next song is the Angels’ Song, known as Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Luke 2:13-14). An angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds who are in the fields. The angel brings good news that a saviour has been born that day who will be the Messiah. After telling the shepherds where to find the baby, a multitude of angels appear praising God and singing:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
This message is delivered to a group of people considered outcasts in that society. The work of shepherds would have made them ritually unclean and incapable of keeping the law properly. The Jewish people of the day regarded shepherds as thieves and only slightly higher in status than lepers. It is so significant that God’s message came to the poor and needy and not those who were well off. It reminds us that Christ was born for those in need and those who were self-sufficient.
The last song is Simeon’s Song, known as Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32). This song takes place when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple for circumcision required by Jewish Law. Simeon is a righteous man on whom the Holy Spirit rests. Although he is not yet filled with the Spirit, Simeon had been waiting for this day for a very long time. God promised Simeon he would not die until he saw the Messiah, and God always keeps His promises. He sings the words:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
This sermon series about the songs of Christmas was a real learning experience for me. I think instead of just attending church services, I’ll pay attention! Merry Christmas!
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: Christmas, hymns and music, scripture
