Category Archives: Bible

December 11 O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEMPhillips Brooks, 1835–1893So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. (Luke 2:4)In the same way that God’s “wondrous gift” came to Bethlehem, silently, so Christ comes intoContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 10 WHAT CHILD IS THIS?William C. Dix, 1837–1898When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child … (Luke 2:17)The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus’ birth. We can almost hear the question beingContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 9 JOY TO THE WORLD!Isaac Watts, 1674–1748But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. ItContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 8 O COME, ALL YE FAITHFULLatin hymn, 18th centuryEnglish translation by Frederick Oakeley, 1802–1880When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about!” … (Luke 2:15, 20)The songs of theContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 7 JOIN ALL THE GLORIOUS NAMESIsaac Watts, 1674–1748Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. (Psalm 72:19)“Wisdom,” “love,” “power,” “prophet,” “priest,” “king,” “almighty Lord,” “conqueror,” “captain”—these are the names and titles used throughout the stanzas of this hymn to describe our Lord. But the conclusion isContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”