Christmas carols with individual short histories of their composition and contemplations of the message of the carols themselves.. many familiar carols, and some new ones. The summarized biographies of the authors and composers were quite interesting too. I really appreciated the concern with the biblical accuracy of songs… the author of The First Noel probably wasn’t very well instructed in the Bible, as they had the Shepherds see the star, which the Bible does not indicate. Most of all, I really liked how they really wanted you to contemplate what you are singing, that you are not just singing for nostalgia but proclaiming profound truths/concepts. In the contemplation of one of Charles Wesley’s carols they comment, “As is characteristic of the hymns of Charles Wesley, every phrase is packed with Theology and allusions to or quotations of scripture. Reading each one before you sing will give you a deeper appreciation of songs written from Scripture rather than simply from personal experience or emotions.”
Good Reminder That What We Are Singing About at Christmas Is Profound
I really like this book, this is not merely a sentimentally pleasing look at Christmas Carols, it directs ones thought truly to the implications of what these songs are addressing, which brings more than sentimentality.
Hosanna Hymnals
Unique Books of Hymns everyone should know with melodies, all stanza, biography of authors and composers, and devotionals on the meaning of the text.