Thursday, October 12, 2006

Christmas carols



Christmas without carols is like cake without icing. The theme of Christmas surfaces in most carols sung during winter. The Nativity of Jesus Christ functions as the most important ingredient, however, “Jingle Bells”, a famous carol that we have grown up listening to celebrates not simply the birth of Christ, but the spirit of Christmas itself.
Christmas carols were introduced by St. Francis of Assisi in the 12th century. Sadly, these enchanting lyrics did not find favor with the protestant leader Oliver Cromwell under whose regime carols were banned. Though revived later during Victorian era, many beautiful songs lost during Reformation are no longer extant.
Leaving history behind, today caroling involves the coming together of children to sing a jolly note together. Also, families and friends reunite on Christmas eve to sing under the cheerful glow of candlelights. Carols sung in churches or homes set the ambiance of peace and love and perhaps even call out the angels in heaven to shower us with their blessings. Whats more, if these “Angels from the realms of glory” decide to list us in their best carol singer category, a day may arrive when Jesus will himself ascend (not to judge) but bless the winner with a lifetime of glory and happiness.

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