Advent Christmas Carol Meditations

Advent is the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. It starts sometime between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3. In 2020, advent begins Nov. 29.

The purpose of Advent is two-fold. First, we remember how long God’s people waited for Him to fulfill His promise for a Savior. Second, we remember the miracles surrounding Jesus’ birth and prepare our hearts to worship the King of Kings.

This family Advent worship guide looks at six Christmas carols as we remember the way Jesus fulfilled Scripture when He was born as the baby who would grow to be “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).

Week 1: Understanding “O Come Emmanuel”

Some of the Christmas carols we sing mean more than you may have realized. For instance, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” talks about “ransoming Israel.” What does that mean? Gather up the family, settle in, and think with me for a bit about the advent, the coming, of Jesus. Click here to continue reading.

Week 2, Option 1: Understanding Lully Lullay (Coventry Carol)

Did you know that not all Christmas carols are happy?

One sad carol is the “Coventry Carol,” also known as “Lully Lullay.” You may not remember it, but this is one of my favorites. The words and music are sad, but they point to the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Please read this blog yourself before sharing it with your child(ren). You are the best judge of what is appropriate for your family.

Click here to continue reading.

Week 2, Option 2: Understanding “Go Tell It On The Mountain”

“Go Tell It On The Mountain” is a popular Christmas song, especially for kids. Do you ever stop to think about what it means? Why a mountain? What are we supposed to tell? What does it have to do with shepherds? Click here to continue reading.

Week 3: Understanding the “Calypso Carol”

Prince William and Kate Middleton have had two royal babies to date. Prince George and Princess Charlotte were both born in a hospital. They live in palaces and royal residences (which is a fancy way to say “home”).

If you heard that a king who was supposed to be greater than any other king was born, where would you expect him to live?

Today’s Christmas carol is the “Calypso Carol,” also known as “See Him Lying in a Bed of Straw.” Click here to continue reading.

Week 4: Understanding “Little Drummer Boy”

The story of the little drummer boy is not in the Bible, but this fictional story points to an important truth. Click here to continue reading.

Christmas, Option 1 (Dec. 24 or 25): Understanding “What Child Is This?”

Today we’re looking at my favorite Christmas carol: “What Child Is This?” Let’s look at some of the funny, old words in this song and at the most important thing about Christmas. (Hint: It’s not the birth of a baby.) Click here to continue reading.

Christmas, Option 2 (Dec. 24 or 25): Understanding “For Unto Us a Child Is Born”

Editor’s note: This devotional is different from the rest because it is very short.

Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus who grew up to die on the cross for our sins and come back to life again. That’s not the only thing special about Jesus. See for yourself. Click here to continue reading.

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