Saturday, December 20, 2014

Day 21: "Carol of the Bells"

   
Note: The tune for this song actually has several sets of lyrics. The version that I associated with this title is often called "Ring Christmas Bells", although it is also simply called "Christmas Bells". The version that is actually used with this name is here.  Either will work for the calendar, but I am specifically referencing the first one.

     This is one that isn't even in the good ol' SBC hymnal. However, when you are the author, you get to be "in charge", whatever that means! So, I decided to use my official power and put this one in, because it is one of my favorites. The repetition of the notes in the tune make it almost unforgettable, and then couple it with the simple, yet powerful, lyrics and it is perfection in my mind. The song is based on an old Ukrainian folk chant, and it pre-dated widespread Christianity there. It was a secular song with lyrics that spoke of the New Year. After the Gospel was shared there, it was "converted", and the lyrics were eventually re-written, well, because Jesus changes everything, right? That's the story of Christmas!

Lyrics: "Carol of the Bells" or "Ring Christmas Bells"

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. The bells are tolling the good news that Jesus is here! How does that reflect what we do when we sing? Do you really think that our music makes a difference?

2. "Every knee will bow and every tongue confess"...we think of this as a beautiful gesture of reverence on the part of the believer, but what will this look like for those that never acknowledged Christ? For a Christian, this is something we *want* to do, but we know that isn't true for everyone. Do you ever think about the time that Jesus will return as the conquering Hero and demand the place that has always been rightfully His?

Looking for the printable? Find it here.

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