Category Archives: Bible

December 20 WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKSNahum Tate, 1652–1715Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)In the spring of the year, the lambing season, shepherds in ancient times would sit all night beside their flocks, watching for wolves or other dangers and evenContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 19 WHILE BY OUR SHEEPGerman carol, Translated by Theodore Baker, 1851–1934The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)It was a cold, clear night. The stars twinkled above and an air of peaceful serenity settled calmly overContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 18 THERE’S A SONG IN THE AIR!Josiah G. Holland, 1819–1881Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God … (Luke 2:13)What a beautiful scene is drawn for us in this joyful Christmas hymn! As we visualize once more the glorious chorus of angels, the brilliant star, and Mary watchingContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 17 IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAREdmund H. Sears, 1810–1876Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:13)The peace of Christmas, proclaimed by the heavenly chorus, is oneContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

December 16 THE FIRST NOELEnglish carol, before 1823And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. (Luke 2:8)Although no Christmas season would be complete without the melodious singing of this tuneful carol, very little is known about its origin. It is believed to have had its riseContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”