God has never created anything without a purpose. Whatever He establishes is usually for the benefit of His people and the Kingdom. As a reminder, we should not forget that we are created primarily to praise and glorify God, our Maker (Isaiah 43: 21.

More importantly, we are saved and called to worship and praise God (Exodus 7: 16b. Praise is a command and not a suggestion for any candidate of the heavenly Kingdom. The selected people sing praises to worship God for special memorials in their lives. We are going to study their songs and what led them to songs. You can read more related posts on our music page of the site.

1. A Song of Christmas 

Read Luke 2:1-7 and Hymn 75 interpretation.

There were many prophecies about the birth of Jesus even before His birth (Isaiah 6:7; Matthew 1; Luke 1). To fulfil one of these prophecies, God used Caesar Augustus to decree a census in the entire Roman world which demanded that everyone would go to their town to register. When was the last time Nigeria had a census? It was in 2006.

Journey

Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, the town of David (because he was of the lineage of David), with Mary (who was pledged to be married to him and was already pregnant). While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to her baby boy, Jesus. She wrapped Him because there was no space for Him in the inn, as it was prophesied.

Experience

The experience of Joseph and Mary, as they laid baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem formed the basis for the song of Philips Brooks, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Philips Brooks was brought up by his experience of parents in a Christian home. He had his education at Boston Latin School and Harvard respectively. He Joseph and started his career as a school teacher and was later Mary, as called into ministry.

Vibrant Pastor

He became a very vibrant pastor they laid and was fondly called “Prince of the Pulpit.” In 1861, he assumed the seat of the Rector of the Church called (Holy Baby Jesus Trinity) in Philadelphia. In 1865, he travelled to the in a manger Holy Land.

Chrismas

While he was there, on Christmas Eve, he in Bethlehem rode on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem where he attended a five-hour Christmas musical formed the praise celebration at the Church of the Nativity just a basis for the short distance from the hillside where the shepherds Philips heard the first Christmas song.

While in Philadelphia Church as a pastor (three years after he visited Brooks’ song. Bethlehem), as he was searching for a carol song for the children to sing in their Sunday School programme, he remembered vividly his experience in Bethlehem.

Hence, he was inspired to write the text of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The copy of the text written was handed over to the organist, Lewis Henry Render who composed a simple melody (tune) for the hymn and will continue to remember the composer. What will you be remembered for?

Message from the Hymn

Stanza 1

Stanza 1 is a poetic expression of the natural beauty of the town, of Bethlehem and the effect of the shining stars that announced the hope of the world from the little town. The everlasting Light and Hope was made manifest in Bethlehem. As little as Bethlehem was, it was called the house of bread, and the birthplace of Jesus. No matter how young you think you are, some virtues in your life can be the solution to human problems. You only need to discover those virtues. Discover it now and let God be praised through you. Let us sing stanza 1

“O little town of Bethlehem,… Are met in thee tonight.”

Stanza 2

In Stanza 2, the poet goes on to talk about the angels. They were at their duty post keeping watch. (Read line 2). The question here is can we be trusted to be at our duty posts at our schools, workplaces, among peers, at home, etc for the Lord? The last two lines reflect the angelic chorus of adoration to God at Christ’s birth. This is taken from Luke 2:14. Let us read stanza 2

“For Christ is born of Mary,… And peace to men on earth!”

Stanza 3

The writer in stanza 3 acknowledged the greatest gift to humankind. This is a rare gift. It is a gift of salvation through Christ Jesus alone. Nowadays, this gift operates in our hearts through the impartation of the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:9; Romans 1:11) built upon Jesus’ sacrifice. It is a great blessing from heaven. It is a blessing of restoration. Have you received this Gift? You can ask for this Gift to come into your life. Let us sing stanza 3.

“How silently how silently,…the dear Christ enters in.”

The last stanza (4) is loaded with prayer content.

“O Holy Child of Bethlehem!…Our Lord Immanuel! Amen.”

This is a prayer that Christ should descend on us. For this to happen, you need to ask for the forgiveness of your sins and be born of Him, since He cannot dwell where sin abounds. Let the Christmas celebration draw you closer to God so that Immanuel will abide with you. Are you ready to allow Him in? Are you ready to confess and repent of your sins? Are you ready to let the angels proclaim the Good News through you? This is an opportunity for you. Bow down your head and commit.

How to Appreciate Hymns

• Know that Christian hymns are written through inspiration from God.
• Study the content as if you are studying the Bible.
• Learn about the situation that brought about the hymn.
• You can also do something for others to see and learn from.

2. The Song of Mary

Read Luke 1: 39- 56 and sing Hymn 75. “O Little Town of Bethlehem…”

Angel

God sent Angel Gabriel to a virgin named Mary and told her that she would be with a child and give birth to a son who would be named Jesus. He told her that the son would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High.

Mary wondered how this would be since she was a virgin, but the angel assured her that it was the Holy Spirit that would accomplish this through her. The angel further told her that her cousin, Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife who was said to be barren was in her sixth month of pregnancy. Mary, though confused before, believed what the angel said, and the angel left her.

Visit

Mary decided to visit Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea. As she entered and greeted Elizabeth, the baby in the womb of Elizabeth leapt for joy and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth expressed that she was favoured to have been visited by the mother of her Lord, confirming the message of Angel Gabriel.

Song of Praise

She praised Mary for her faith and said in a loud voice “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” When Mary heard this, she sang what is known as “Magnificat,” a Latin word which means “to magnify”.

This is a song of praise to the Lord in response to the speech of Elizabeth. Mary, an uneducated country girl was able to compose this prophetic poem due to her acquaintance with the Old Testament passages alluded to from worship in the synagogue and practices at home.

How much of God’s Word are you acquainted with? The Bible says, “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34b) In her song, Mary glorified the Lord and her spirit also rejoiced in God.

She acknowledged that she would be referred to as blessed by generations for being the mother of the Saviour of the world. Her song focused on the Messiah that was to come and the redemption He would also for God’s favour on Israel. How do you respond to God whenever

Nature of God

Does God surprise you? What type of song do you sing to praise Him? Is it “Mary, Saviour and “the Mighty One?” She affirmed the sovereignty and compassionate nature of God. Furthermore, Mary compared her humble state (servant) with the greatness of God by affirming.

His holiness. More so, Mary recounted some instances of God’s saving act towards the Israelites, and especially how He remembered to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants. She acknowledged how God displaces the proud and exalts the humble, the poor and the hungry.

God’s Faithfulness

The song of Mary testifies that anyone who trusts and fears God will enjoy His faithfulness, mercy and salvation. What a melodious song! Mary stayed with Elizabeth and Zechariah for three months before she returned to her home. Mary recognized the greatness of God and she composed this song to praise Him. When God does something good for you, do you praise Him?

Have you ever composed a song to praise God before? There are so many things to praise God for, such as good health, provisions, success, journey mercies, salvation, promotion, admission, loving and supporting family. Can you compose a song to praise God today?

How to Compose a New Song

• Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit and meditate on God’s Word regularly.
• Listen to godly music/hymns and be attentive to the Holy Spirit.
• Develop the habit of singing always using biblical verses and texts to form the words.
• Write down the inspiration that comes to your mind.
• Associate with the right people who will help you to improve on your God-given and hidden talents just as Mary associated with Elizabeth.

3. The Song of Zechariah 

Read Luke1:57-80 and Hymn 75 (Sing the chorus).

Zechariah was a priest and was married to a priest’s daughter, one both loved God and served God blamelessly. both old. While Zechariah was executing his fit decision to bless them with a son whose name would be John. Zechariah did not believe it, so he became dumb. Thereafter, Elizabeth conceived and she hid herself for five months. It was in the sixth womb that leapt for joy.

Acknowledgement

At the full-time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. Her neighbours and family members congratulated her. On the eighth day, during naming and circumcision, the family wanted to name the child Zechariah, after his father. The mother objected and insisted that the son would be called John as prophesied by Angel Gabriel. However, people present there insisted that the baby could not be called John because there were none of the relatives of his parents bearing that name. Then they made signs to Zechariah to give the baby name.

Amazement

He asked for a writing tablet and to the amazement of everyone, he wrote the name, John. Immediately, Zechariah’s tongue got loosed, and he began to praise God. The neighbours were surprised at these happenings and the news spread throughout the hill country of Judea. They wondered what John was going to do because they could see that the Lord’s hand was with him and filled with the Holy Spirit prophesied in His song called “Benedicts”.  It is a Latin word which means “Blessed.” His song was in two parts:

Stanza 1

1.  The first (verses 68-75) is a song of thanksgiving for the realisation of the Messianic hopes of the Jewish nation. Zechariah praised the Lord, the God of Israel for His work of redemption and salvation. He praised God who has raised a horn of salvation in the house of His servant David as prophesied. This implied that the Messiah would be strong and would deliver the nations from their enemies.

Stanza 2

Stanza 2. The second part of the poem (verses 76-79) addresses the role of Zechariah’s son (John the Baptist), which was to take and prepare the way for the Messiah.

Stanza 3

Stanza 3. The child, John, grew and became strong in spirit and lived. God is faithful. What He says He does. He fulfils His promises no matter how long it takes. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit. He prophesied and praised God for what the Lord did for Israel. For the deliverance He has brought for His people.

Stanza 4

Stanza 4. Prophecy can come through songs. Beloved, you can also praise God for what He has done for you. For His promises of success, promotion, admission, good health and other things He has done for you since the beginning of the year. You too can prophesy, compose songs, play musical instruments, and sing to praise God.

How to Sing Worthy Songs

• Play and listen to Christian music. What you listen to is stored in your subconscious.
• Cultivate the habit of singing anywhere you are, even while in the toilet.
• Be connected with the Holy Spirit so that He will inspire you to sing constantly.
• Count your blessings always and let this lead you into praising God.
• Saturate your life with meditation and spiritual people.