This carol is one of 61 on the playlist of "Carol Story," a 10-minute play that tells the story of Christ solely through lyrics of Christmas songs as dialogue. Learn More. "O Holy Night" is an English translation of the French carol "Le Christien Minuit" that was translated and became a rallying cry of abolitionists during the Civil War. The third verse of "O Holy Night" was a direct Christian call to eradicate slavery, a sentiment that led to the song begin edited or outright banned in some sections of the country. We address this story more in our production, "Freedom Song."
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This carol is one of 61 on the playlist of "Carol Story," a 10-minute play that tells the story of Christ solely through lyrics of Christmas songs as dialogue. Learn More. To catch the full impact of the full gospel message in traditional Christmas carols -- those which tell the story of Jesus from birth through the anticipated second Christmas -- it's important to listen to all the stanzas.
The first five selections of "Carol Story" do so primarily by setting the atmosphere of the night Jesus was born to his earthly parents. The selection which best establishes the setting, like a screenplay stage directions, is "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." This carol is one of 61 on the playlist of "Carol Story," a 10-minute play that tells the story of Christ solely through lyrics of Christmas songs as dialogue. Learn More. "The First Noel" is based mostly in Luke's Chapter 2 account of the heavenly host of angels announcing the birth of Christ to shepherds. (Enjoy the story.)
To get a good grasp of what happened, put yourself in place of the shepherds: You and some close pals are out camping, in your suburban backyard, or, like, hiding out on the rooftop of a parking garage. Where ever you are the sky is pretty black except for a few twinkle, twinkle little stars, because you're away from city-lights distortion. Then: This carol is one of 61 on the playlist of "Carol Story," a 10-minute play that tells the story of Christ solely through lyrics of Christmas songs as dialogue. Learn More. "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" is among the many carols with cryptic meaning and origins. It's a 16th century English tune that has evoked commentaries about the lyricists' commentary on the state of the Church in England, warrior soldiers, uninspiring worship music, bar culture and punctuation.
This is the first in a series of essays about “Carol Story" a 10-minute play that tells the story of Christ solely through lyrics of Christmas songs as dialogue. Learn More.
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
by Michael Edgar Myers
Founding Artistic Director
There has been much conversation lately about the meaning of some songs associated with the Christmas season. That is, they are songs generally sung during the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays then not heard for another 12 months.
Without offering a viewpoint on a particular song, yes, it is good to frequently examine what we sing and what we say. Scripture reminds us to do so, especially teachings (2 Peter 2:1), spirits (1 John 4:1) and ourselves(2 Corinthians 13:5). Re-examination not only yields growth, it also deepens discoveries that yield fruit. Those who lead music for Christian services of worship are regularly challenged to test the lyrics of newer songs for theological accuracy as well as singability. |
The KIT 'n' Kaboodle BlogThe essays here are culled from our travels, conversations, worship experiences and discoveries. Many are reprints from our newsletter, The KIT 'n' Kaboodle, or Facebook notes over time. They're written by our ensemble, Garlan Garner, Michael Edgar Myers or Vikki J. Myers -- solo, or collectively. Archives
February 2024
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