Hope Building Carols of the Holidays

A significant part of Christmas for many of us is the music, especially the carols we have memorized through repetition over the years.

Many churches have a Christmas Eve service, with caroling and candlelight during the service.

The emotion created by this event is often powerful in bringing back memories of past Christmases.

Since this is often a time of togetherness, families and friends who may not see each other might unite in celebration.

Thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future are also often stimulated by the music at Christmas time.


Over the years I have noted that certain passages from certain Christmas songs create feelings of peace, tranquility, hope and optimism.

The following represent a few of many:


“Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” – “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace: Good will henceforth from heav’n to men, begin and never cease, begin and never cease.” – “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

“I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.” – “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

“O hearken ye who long for peace, your troubled searching now may cease. Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo. For at this cradle you shall find God’s healing grace for all mankind. Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo.” –“O Hearken Ye”

“O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” - “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

“Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new. Saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of the gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing greet the morrow; Christ the Babe was born for you.” –“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa la la la la la la la la. Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la la. Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la la. Troll the ancient yule tide carol, Fa la la la la la la la la.” –“Deck the Halls”

“Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, o’er the hills we go, laughing all the way. Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright: O what fun it is to sing in a sleighing song tonight.” –“Jingle Bells”

“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and Child, holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.” –“Silent Night! Holy Night!”

There are many positive and inspiring messages found in other carols.

Let them brighten your Christmas season and add to the spirit of peace on earth and goodwill to man.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright © 1992