Catholics have a rich history of worship music dating back to the early Church. Though many modern Christmas carols such as "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" have secular origins, others such as "Silent Night" come from the Catholic Church's Christmas celebrations. Explore a few of famous carols written by Catholics in this brief guide.
O Come O Come Emmanuel Early Medieval Carol
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" dates from the reign of early French King Charlemagne (768-814) and is one of the oldest carols still widely sung in English.
Like many Catholic carols, the lyrics to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" were originally in Latin. Though traditionally an Advent carol preparing Christians for Jesus' birth, many Christians associate this carol with the holiday season.
Meaning of O Come O Come Emmanuel
The carol's original seven verses contain a hidden message in Latin. The first letters of each verse spell out "I'll be with you tomorrow." The lyrics of "O Come, O come Emmanuel" invite believers to trust in Jesus and his coming to save the world.
The carol addresses Jesus by his many roles as Emmanuel (god is with us) and Key of David (descendant of King David whom it's believed will save the world). Believers are encouraged to rejoice that Jesus will save Israel (God's chosen people) in the chorus.
History of O Come All Ye Faithful
"O Come All Ye Faithful" or "Adeste Fideles" is another popular carol with Catholic roots. Though the carol's author is unknown, English Catholic musician John Francis Wade is connected with the carol's tune. Wade taught church music at a seminary in Douai, France in the 18th century and served as a missionary to England. Though the English widely discriminated against Catholics in the 18th century, the country embraced the words and tune of "O Come All Ye Faithful."
Meaning of O Come All Ye Faithful
"O Come All Ye Faithful" witnesses the birth of Jesus in its seven verses. The popular first verse invites believers — "the faithful" — to Bethlehem to see Jesus in the manger. Following verses describe the nature of Jesus, born of the Virgin's womb, and the baby's many visitors — kings, shepherds, and angels — as they model love, obedience, and generosity for the baby Jesus.
History of Good Christian Men Rejoice
Dominican monk and mystic Heinrich Suso (1295-1366) claimed that angels taught him the words to "In Dulci Jubilo," or "Good Christian Men Rejoice" in a vision. Suso's contemporaries recorded that he frequently sang with the angels in prayer and experienced God's joy with the words of "Good Christian Men Rejoice."
The carol has been popular since the Middle Ages, though the tune and English translation of the words popular today originates with Anglican Church musician John Stainer in the mid 19th century.
Meaning of Good Christian Men Rejoice
"Good Christian Men Rejoice" calls all Christians to rejoice in Jesus coming with their entire being, "with heart and soul and voice." Each verse describes the wonders of Jesus' birth for believers and how Jesus blessed humanity by his death and resurrection while praising the baby Jesus as God.
Christmas carols not only get shoppers in the mood for holiday sales, but they remind the faithful of the Jesus' birth and meaning in the Church. Many Christmas carols reflect the teachings of the Church and enhance worship of the Savior Jesus Christ for believers during the Christmas Season.
For the history of other popular Christmas carols, Away in the Manger History of a Popular Carol or Silent Night History and Christian Meaning may be enjoyed.
Source:
Keyte, Hugh and Andrew Parrott. New Oxford Book of Carols. University of Oxford Press, Oxford, England 1998.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
