Origin of Classic Christmas Carols

[RoderickE]

Ron Clancy, dedicated researcher and author shares his over 30 years of research into classic Christmas carols. This fascinating 30 minute podcast reveals the interesting history of some of our best loved Christmas tunes. Mr. Clancy has authored and compiled 4 collections with fully period art illustrated books and CD box collections perfect for anyone who loves history, Christmas music or art. After listening to the podcast, take a look at Mr. Clancy's website: christmasclassics.com where you can learn more or purchase these fabulous collections for yourself or a loved one to enjoy. Also check out the many YouTube videos Mr. Clancy has produced on the history of your favorite Christmas carol.

3 Ways to Listen:

Click on the following link to have it play on your computer's player

http://thekingdomcome.com/kingdomcommentaries/christmassong_origins.mp3

Right click the following link and SAVEAS to download to your computer or ipod.

http://thekingdomcome.com/kingdomcommentaries/christmassong_origins.mp3

Listen to it streamed on this website (good for people with slow connections)

Kingdom Commentaries | The Kingdom Come



YOUTUBE VIDEOS explaining the history of various Christmas Carols:
Origin of Christmas Carols/Songs | The Kingdom Come

 

[N. Eshelman]

It's amazing how many of these short stories on Youtube have nothing to do with Christ- but everything to do with commercialism and marketing.

 

[RoderickE]

But even then...

It's amazing how many of these short stories on Youtube have nothing to do with Christ- but everything to do with commercialism and marketing.

I like to see it as Christ turning the tables on them, sort of as in this verse:

2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

So even this apparent commercialism is brought into captivity and obedience of Christ. The imaginations of men put into subjection and service for the advancement of the kingdom. What men mean for evil (or self promotion) is often meant by God for good. For example the carol, "Do you hear what I hear" was meant as a peace/protest song is now forever associated with Christ. These songs and even this holiday, though not "Christian" per se, give us Christians a rare Acts 17:16-34 opportunity to declare to the "gentiles", the "unknown god" whom is revealed in His Word. I used to get all bothered by the paganism and commercialism of Christmas, but now I welcome the season as the rare opportunity to have captive minds that will hear the Gospel even through the commercialism.

 

[Brian Withnell]

Some of my favorite Christmas songs are in the incarnation section of the Messiah. I know Handel wasn't the most spiritual of men, but the scripture set to music is wonderful.