Every December, Christmas carols surround us – in church, at school concerts, during community gatherings and at home.
Yet we rarely pause to think about the words we’re singing. Behind the well-known lyrics lie deep truths about hope, justice and love.
As we take a closer look at the lyrics, they might just give you a new perspective on the festive season.
As we sing about peace, love and hope this season, we can put those words into action. Your gift to our Christmas Appeal helps families around the world who are facing hunger, poverty and injustice.
What does 'O Holy Night' mean?
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
and in His name all oppression shall cease.
The prophet Isaiah foretold this hope centuries earlier:
‘For a child has been born for us… and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ - Isaiah 9:6
This Carol’s beautiful melody and powerful words lift our spirits. They remind us of the core truth of Christmas: God’s love has come into the world. It breaks the chains of sin and injustice. It invites everyone to share in hope, peace, and eternal life.
What can we learn from the lyrics of 'Silent Night'?
Peaceful and tender, the lyrics of Silent Night draw us into the first Christmas night that we see in Luke 2.
Originally written in German as "Stille Nacht," this carol was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818. The melody has travelled across centuries and continents. And still, it carries the same message in both war and peace that even in the darkest nights, God's light shines.
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
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.
‘What can I give him, poor as I am?’
Christina Rossetti’s question in ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ has echoed through generations. It captures the essence of Christmas giving — not extravagance, but generosity of spirit.
While we may not have treasures to offer, each of us has something to give: compassion, prayer, time and love. In a world marked by need, these small acts of kindness become gifts of real transformation.
This carol reminds us that giving begins in the heart. It’s not about how much we have, but how deeply we care. As we sing these words, we're invited to show the same selfless love, which first came into the world on that cold, humble Christmas night.
What does the Christmas carol ‘Away in a Manger’ teach us?
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
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No crib for a bed… when you’re feeling violence
Just as the little Lord Jesus lay in a humble manger, millions of children today sleep without safety, food or shelter.
This Christmas, will you help fund emergency shelters to protect families fleeing conflict?
What does ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ reveal?
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th'angelic hosts proclaim,
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold Him, born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
This Christmas carol is an open invitation to draw near, to witness and worship. O Come, All Ye Faithful captures the wonder of the season through its powerful refrain: ‘come and behold Him’.
It reminds us that Christmas is a truth to be experienced. Faith is not passive; it moves us from belief to action. The same God who called shepherds and wise men to a manger, still calls us today. He invites us to come, to see, and to respond with joy and generosity.
