I love Christmas and the Christmas Carols. So it’s not my intent to be a “Scrooge” tonight. This past Sunday Jerry mentioned “We Three Kings” as being one of the most theologically incorrect songs in our hymnal. That kind of peaked my interest, so I thought tonight we’d examine a few of the Christmas songs we sing and see if they are Scripturally accurate.
Away In A Manger
Away In A Manger is a beautiful song that focuses on the birthplace of our Lord Jesus. The song is supposed to reflect the Scriptures in:
Luke 2:4-7 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The first four stanzas are:
Away in a manger, No crib for a bed.
The little Lord Jesus, Laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky, Look down where He lay.
The little Lord Jesus, Asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, The Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes.
I love You, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle, Till morning is nigh.
The song has been wrongly attributed to the German Reformer Martin Luther, saying that he wrote it for his child. This is not true. This false association can be traced back to a book written by James R. Murray (1841-1905) called “Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses” (1887). Discipleship Ministries notes
“… the hymn first appeared with two stanzas in Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families, a Sunday school collection published in 1885 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America. Stanza three first appeared unattributed in Gabriel’s Vineyard Songs (1892), compiled by gospel composer Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932).”
The song is not a terribly bad song – until the third stanza. It reads:
The cattle are lowing, The Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes.
A baby that does not cry is a baby in trouble. Babies cry for a variety of reasons. They can be hungry, have a dirty diaper, or have a need to burp. Babies need attention, and crying helps them bond with their parents. The Bible says of Jesus that:
Hebrews 2:14-18 (ESV) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus Christ – though Eternal God prior to His incarnation, when He became incarnate He became “like his brothers in every respect” – and yet, “WITHOUT SIN” (see Hebrews 4:15). Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God without spot or blemish. When He went to the Cross, Jesus went without complaint. We are told in
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Though Jesus was born of a virgin, supernaturally induced by God the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:35), He was just as human as we are. He had to be, in order to make payment for our sins.
In the early Church there was a cult that sprang up called
Docetism, that taught that Jesus only had a body
that seemed like a human body.
The Apostle John wrote against this in:
1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Jesus Christ “CAME or WAS INCARNATE IN THE FLESH” so He could pay for our sins. Throughout His life Jesus behaved like a regular human being:
Jesus wept (John 11:35; Luke 19:41; Hebrews 5:7-9
Jesus was weary (John 4:5-6)
Jesus slept (Matthew 8:18-22)
Jesus was hungry (Mark 11:12; Luke 4:2)
Jesus got angry (John 2:17; Mark 3:5; John 11:38)
So though we don’t know whether there were “cattle lowing” around Jesus, we do know that, like a normal baby, Jesus cried and made sounds. He came into this world (incarnate) a perfectly sinless baby.
We Three Kings Of Orient Are
“We Three Kings” was composed by an American preacher John Henry Hopkins, Jr, and appeared in his Carols, Hymns, and Songs collection (1872). The song was referencing:
Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
As Jerry brought out on Sunday, there were not “Three Kings” who went to see Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. These were “wise men from the east”, called “Magi” or “Astrologers”. There is evidence that these men – number undetermined – came from Babylon to Jerusalem. The Prophet Daniel was assigned to the High Office of
Daniel 5:11 … (ESV) chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers ..
by King Nebuchadnezzar. A group called “Stand To Reason” notes:
“How did Babylonians know about Jewish prophecy at all, and what led them to believe that this particular star was the one that would lead them to a great, newborn king? …
This is where the prophet Daniel comes in. Not only was Daniel chief of the Magi, but his prophecies became known throughout the ancient Near East. Even the Romans were aware of his prophecies of a coming king of Israel.
The Magi of the first century would have most certainly studied the writing of Daniel and possibly other Jewish writings Daniel likely referenced, such as the book of Isaiah. This connection between Daniel and the Magi may help to explain why almost six hundred years later, the Magi in question expected a Jewish king to arrive in Judea near the end of the first century B.C. It is likely that the Magi followed the star based on their study of the prophet Daniel’s writings.”
Craig Chester a past President of the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy”wrote:
“Magi often wandered from court to court, and it was not unusual for them to cover great distances in order to attend the birth or crowning of a king, paying their respects and offering gifts. It is not surprising, therefore, that Matthew would mention them as validation of Jesus’ kingship, or that Herod would regard their arrival as a very serious matter”.
The account in Matthew does not tell us how many Magi there were, but it tells us that they brought three gifts to Jesus: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. These Magi were considered “King Makers” because their predictions of future kings are unquestioned. This is the reason King Herod was troubled (Matthew 2:3) at the appearance of the Magi. And his disturbance led to the murder of all the children in Bethlehem two years old and younger (Matthew 2:16), a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15.
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing & Other Great Songs
In a recent Breakpoint article, John Stonestreet and Kasey Leander wrote on “How The Hymns of Christmas Teach Right Doctrine”. They noted that “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” (1739) written by Charles Wesley was written to specifically answer the false doctrine called Arianism.
Whereas Docetism taught that Jesus only “looked human”, Arianism taught that Jesus was merely a created being and NOT God among us.
The Bible teaches us that the Angel of the Lord told Joseph:
Matthew 1:20-23 … Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
When Jesus was born (as was prophesied) He came to “save his people from their sins”. Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14:
“… the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.”
Matthew quotes this verse, adding the definition of Emmanuel: “a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us”.
According to the most recent study that Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research have made, 43% of Evangelical Christians believe “Jesus was a great teacher, but not God”. Hark The Herald Angels Sing teaches us that:
(Stanza 2) Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
“Hark the Herald” celebrates the great truth that God came from Heaven to earth, so that He could take man from earth to Heaven. Because of Jesus “God and sinners (are) reconciled”.
Another song “O Holy Night” brings in the reconciliation we have to God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices.
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born.
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born!
Or another favorite, “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” tells us that “Christ was born on Christmas Day”. We don’t know that Jesus was born on December 25th, but that is when we celebrate His incarnation. And it is Scripturally true that Jesus was born:
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r, When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
When we look at the Christmas Carols, there are more that are Biblically accurate than those that are not. So this Christmas let’s sing praises to Jesus. He is worthy. He is the Only Way unto God. Let’s not lose Jesus in the midst of Santa Claus and Black Friday, Christmas Trees and lawn decorations. Praise God for Jesus. Or I will close with the second verse of “Angels From The Realms of Glory”:
Sinners, wrung with true repentance, Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence, Mercy calls you; break your chains.
I love Christmas and the Christmas Carols. So it’s not my intent to be a “Scrooge” tonight. This past Sunday Jerry mentioned “We Three Kings” as being one of the most theologically incorrect songs in our hymnal. That kind of peaked my interest, so I thought tonight we’d examine a few of the Christmas songs we sing and see if they are Scripturally accurate.
Away In A Manger
Away In A Manger is a beautiful song that focuses on the birthplace of our Lord Jesus. The song is supposed to reflect the Scriptures in:
Luke 2:4-7 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The first four stanzas are:
Away in a manger, No crib for a bed.
The little Lord Jesus, Laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky, Look down where He lay.
The little Lord Jesus, Asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, The Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes.
I love You, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle, Till morning is nigh.
The song has been wrongly attributed to the German Reformer Martin Luther, saying that he wrote it for his child. This is not true. This false association can be traced back to a book written by James R. Murray (1841-1905) called “Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses” (1887). Discipleship Ministries notes
“… the hymn first appeared with two stanzas in Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families, a Sunday school collection published in 1885 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America. Stanza three first appeared unattributed in Gabriel’s Vineyard Songs (1892), compiled by gospel composer Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932).”
The song is not a terribly bad song – until the third stanza. It reads:
The cattle are lowing, The Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes.
A baby that does not cry is a baby in trouble. Babies cry for a variety of reasons. They can be hungry, have a dirty diaper, or have a need to burp. Babies need attention, and crying helps them bond with their parents. The Bible says of Jesus that:
Hebrews 2:14-18 (ESV) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus Christ – though Eternal God prior to His incarnation, when He became incarnate He became “like his brothers in every respect” – and yet, “WITHOUT SIN” (see Hebrews 4:15). Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God without spot or blemish. When He went to the Cross, Jesus went without complaint. We are told in
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
Though Jesus was born of a virgin, supernaturally induced by God the Holy Spirit (see Luke 1:35), He was just as human as we are. He had to be, in order to make payment for our sins.
In the early Church there was a cult that sprang up called
Docetism, that taught that Jesus only had a body
that seemed like a human body.
The Apostle John wrote against this in:
1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Jesus Christ “CAME or WAS INCARNATE IN THE FLESH” so He could pay for our sins. Throughout His life Jesus behaved like a regular human being:
Jesus wept (John 11:35; Luke 19:41; Hebrews 5:7-9
Jesus was weary (John 4:5-6)
Jesus slept (Matthew 8:18-22)
Jesus was hungry (Mark 11:12; Luke 4:2)
Jesus got angry (John 2:17; Mark 3:5; John 11:38)
So though we don’t know whether there were “cattle lowing” around Jesus, we do know that, like a normal baby, Jesus cried and made sounds. He came into this world (incarnate) a perfectly sinless baby.
We Three Kings Of Orient Are
“We Three Kings” was composed by an American preacher John Henry Hopkins, Jr, and appeared in his Carols, Hymns, and Songs collection (1872). The song was referencing:
Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
As Jerry brought out on Sunday, there were not “Three Kings” who went to see Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. These were “wise men from the east”, called “Magi” or “Astrologers”. There is evidence that these men – number undetermined – came from Babylon to Jerusalem. The Prophet Daniel was assigned to the High Office of
Daniel 5:11 … (ESV) chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers ..
by King Nebuchadnezzar. A group called “Stand To Reason” notes:
“How did Babylonians know about Jewish prophecy at all, and what led them to believe that this particular star was the one that would lead them to a great, newborn king? …
This is where the prophet Daniel comes in. Not only was Daniel chief of the Magi, but his prophecies became known throughout the ancient Near East. Even the Romans were aware of his prophecies of a coming king of Israel.
The Magi of the first century would have most certainly studied the writing of Daniel and possibly other Jewish writings Daniel likely referenced, such as the book of Isaiah. This connection between Daniel and the Magi may help to explain why almost six hundred years later, the Magi in question expected a Jewish king to arrive in Judea near the end of the first century B.C. It is likely that the Magi followed the star based on their study of the prophet Daniel’s writings.”
Craig Chester a past President of the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy”wrote:
“Magi often wandered from court to court, and it was not unusual for them to cover great distances in order to attend the birth or crowning of a king, paying their respects and offering gifts. It is not surprising, therefore, that Matthew would mention them as validation of Jesus’ kingship, or that Herod would regard their arrival as a very serious matter”.
The account in Matthew does not tell us how many Magi there were, but it tells us that they brought three gifts to Jesus: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. These Magi were considered “King Makers” because their predictions of future kings are unquestioned. This is the reason King Herod was troubled (Matthew 2:3) at the appearance of the Magi. And his disturbance led to the murder of all the children in Bethlehem two years old and younger (Matthew 2:16), a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15.
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing & Other Great Songs
In a recent Breakpoint article, John Stonestreet and Kasey Leander wrote on “How The Hymns of Christmas Teach Right Doctrine”. They noted that “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” (1739) written by Charles Wesley was written to specifically answer the false doctrine called Arianism.
Whereas Docetism taught that Jesus only “looked human”, Arianism taught that Jesus was merely a created being and NOT God among us.
The Bible teaches us that the Angel of the Lord told Joseph:
Matthew 1:20-23 … Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
When Jesus was born (as was prophesied) He came to “save his people from their sins”. Jesus’ birth was a fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14:
“… the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.”
Matthew quotes this verse, adding the definition of Emmanuel: “a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us”.
According to the most recent study that Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research have made, 43% of Evangelical Christians believe “Jesus was a great teacher, but not God”. Hark The Herald Angels Sing teaches us that:
(Stanza 2) Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
“Hark the Herald” celebrates the great truth that God came from Heaven to earth, so that He could take man from earth to Heaven. Because of Jesus “God and sinners (are) reconciled”.
Another song “O Holy Night” brings in the reconciliation we have to God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices.
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born.
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born!
Or another favorite, “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” tells us that “Christ was born on Christmas Day”. We don’t know that Jesus was born on December 25th, but that is when we celebrate His incarnation. And it is Scripturally true that Jesus was born:
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r, When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
When we look at the Christmas Carols, there are more that are Biblically accurate than those that are not. So this Christmas let’s sing praises to Jesus. He is worthy. He is the Only Way unto God. Let’s not lose Jesus in the midst of Santa Claus and Black Friday, Christmas Trees and lawn decorations. Praise God for Jesus. Or I will close with the second verse of “Angels From The Realms of Glory”:
Sinners, wrung with true repentance, Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence, Mercy calls you; break your chains.
Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.
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