Music is such an important part of Advent and Christmas. Can you imagine Advent without "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"? How about Christmas without carols like "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," and "Joy to the World"?
It pleases the Lord Jesus when we sing of his coming with carols we know by heart. It pleases him even more when we think about the words we are singing.
In 24 reflections on well-known carols and Christmas songs, James Howell explores the birth of Jesus. He ponders the meaning of certain phrases from these songs and relates them to our daily lives.
The four weeks of devotions are arranged by topic:
- The Place
- The Men (Joseph, shepherds, magi)
- The Mother
- The Child
A guide for weekly discussion is included.
Join Howell in this rich remembrance for the Advent and Christmas seasons.
Industry Reviews
"Music has the power to immediately evoke a time, a place, and a memory even beyond the text's meaning. Certainly this is true of Christmas carols. Howell takes us on a delightful journey into the heart, history, and meaning of these songs in a way that deepens our experience of them in unexpected and unforgettable ways. We fall in love with them, and with the mystery of this season, all over again. " -- Dr. Marcia McFee, Creator and Visionary, Worship Design Studio "Review" "James Howell took me to the most familiar Advent/Christmas hymns and songs ones I have sung for years and made me pay attention in a whole new way. "The cattle are lowing" is a new image in my mind after reading how St. Francis created the first manger scene. I want to sing with the angels, worship with the shepherds, bow before my Lord Jesus, and follow him this Advent in a deeper way. Read this book. Your imagination will be stirred, your heart moved, your feet led in new ways!" -- Leighton Ford Presbyterian minister, author, and president, Leighton Ford Ministries "Review"