10 Christmas Carols That Celebrate the Savior of the World

was penned by Charles Wesley and included in his 1739 Methodist hymnal. This theologically rich classic is unlike many other carols; it embodies the entirety of the gospel. It moves us on from the idea that Jesus’s birth is confined to a sweet childlike nativity scene – instead, it forces each of us to confront the raw and powerful truth of who Jesus is and what he came to do: “Born that man no more may die / Born to raise the sons of earth / Born to give them second birth.”

2. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

appeared in Charles Wesley’s book of 18 Christmas songs in 1745, and it’s one of my three favorite hymns today. The song captures how centuries of waiting, longing, and weeping find ultimate resolution in Christ. It is probably less familiar to a younger audience, but the words express a timeless truth: we all need hope, and we all have a longing inside of us that can only find fulfillment in Christ. “Hope of all the earth thou art / Dear desire of every nation / Joy of every longing heart.” 

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most likely written by hymnist John Francis Wade in 1744, is a Christmas call to worship; it beckons us to simply come and adore “Christ the Lord.” Whether it’s sung A capella or with a big brass band, this carol sings beautifully. And it’s a carol that will connect with just about every person who enters our churches over this Christmas season, as so many of us will have sung it at school assemblies and nativity plays as children!

4. In the Bleak Midwinter

is among our most plaintive carols, partly because of the melancholic melody by Gustav Holst. Penned by English poet Christina Rossetti, the lyrics first appeared in 1872. The last stanza brings us to a place of personal reflection and response – what should we do about the message of Jesus’ birth? What does the gospel story require of each of us who hear it? "What can I give him, poor as I am? / If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; / If I were a wise man I would do my part, / Yet what I can I give him: give my heart."

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with its triumphant cadence and rousing spirit, is, unsurprisingly, one of the United Kingdom’s most popular carols (according to a BBC poll). Written by Isaac Watts in 1719, it is based on Psalm 98 and wasn’t even originally intended to be a Christmas carol. Yet no Christmas concert or Christmas eve service would be complete without it. It is an undeniably joy-filled declaration of God’s goodness.

6. O Come, O Come Emmanuel

is a medieval Latin hymn dating from the 800s. It’s easy to imagine a candlelit Cathedral filled with the pensive strains of this metrical chant. The haunting melody draws us to place of deeper reflection, especially as it contrasts so powerfully with the more exuberant praise-filled carols. It allows people both inside and outside our churches, for whom Christmas may not be the time of joy they feel it should be, to reflect on and connect with a carol that expresses a deeper longing for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

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is, arguably, the best-known Christmas carol in the world; it has been translated into 300 languages and dialects. Originally a poem with six verses written by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian priest in 1816, the repetition in each stanza of the line ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ evokes tranquility, stillness, mystery – a heart’s cry for the kind of peace that only Jesus can bring.

8. Angels We Have Heard on High

is one of the most joyful and well-written choruses ever composed. The lyrical journey shines a light on the reality of the incarnation in a way that refreshes the soul. This carol contributes wonderfully to that sense of celebration expressed by the angels in the gospel of Luke. And the first line and chorus, ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ provides a fun vocal exercise for anyone who sings it!

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written in 1867, was inspired by Philadelphia pastor Phillips Brooks’ visit to Bethlehem. The first three verses take us through the events of the night Christ was born with the fourth and last verse culminating in a heart-felt response: “Cast out our sin and enter in / Be born in us today”. Often a favorite with children, it was in fact first sung by a group of Sunday School children and their teachers. Which is perhaps why it is still beloved by many in our nation today, appearing in a BBC poll of the top 10 most-loved carols.

10. Once in Royal David's City

is perhaps less popular than it used to be, but we mustn't lose its message or music. Cecil Frances Alexander was an Irish pastor’s wife who published this carol for children in 1848. It ultimately reminds all who sing it of the humanity of Jesus and the tremendous mystery of God becoming man: “He was little, weak, and helpless / Tears and smiles, like us He knew.”

These 10 carols are treasures that cause all of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, to pause and remember that hope has dawned; the promised Messiah has come, and the world will never be the same again. O come, let us adore him—Christ the Lord!

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About Keith and Kristyn Getty: Keith and Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. In re-inventing the traditional hymn form, they are creating and cultivating a catalog of songs teaching Christian doctrine and crossing the genres of traditional, classical, folk and contemporary composition which are sung the world over. In 2017, Keith Getty was made an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to "music and modern hymn writing," marking the first time the award had been given to an individual involved in the world of contemporary church music. For more information on Getty Music and the Sing! initiative, visit www.gettymusic.com. To get tickets for Sing! An Irish Christmas tour head over to: https://www.gettymusic.com/christmas