Behind the Carols

We know that Christmas is upon us when we hear Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas Is You”being blasted through our shopping centres. She has even described herself as a “festive elf” and the unofficial herald of Christmas. The infectious and upbeat tune often finds its way into Christmas playlists everywhere. Not mine, of course. It’s a bit much for my gloomier grunge tastes, but it does set a tone for the season.

Of course, we can’t pass up “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, more recently covered by Michael Bublé. Despite now prompting us to reach for a refreshing sparkling water from the fridge, it does elicit the nostalgia reminding us of decorated trees, frenzied toy stores, and the holiday cheer. While parents might relate to the lyric, “and mum and dad can hardly wait for school to start again.”

But these carols are so northern hemisphere. We could almost be tempted to think that without snow, it’s just not Christmas.

Down here is Aus, we do have some other favourites. Colin Buchanan smashed it with “Aussie Jingle Bells”. Every Aussie child now relates Christmas to our scorching summer’s day (hey!) and the rusty holden ute – even if they don’t remember the good old Ford versus Holden days.

And who can forget Joe? He’s the writer in Paul Kelly’s “How to Make Gravy”. Pulling at the heart strings, Joe writes a letter to his family, from prison. Filled with reminiscence, regret, and longing but with themes of love and redemption, it is so bittersweet. It is a uniquely Australian classic Christmas song.

Have you ever stopped to consider the stories behind our carols?

This Christmas, why not take some time to pause and reflect. There are many surprising tidbits to discover, not just from the lyrics, but also their history and the impact they have made.

At our Christmas gatherings through December, we will be taking time to consider some of the more traditional Christmas Carols – O Holy Night, Hark the Herald, Joy to the World, Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night and Away in a Manger.

The key feature Behind the Carols is the coming of Jesus – God’s Son, born in humble circumstances, lived a remarkable life, died the death of a criminal, but was powerfully raised to life. He is the true ‘Prince of Peace.’ He did it for us – fragile broken people trying to make the most of life.

Join us to explore. Join us to celebrate. Join us to reflect. Join us to remember. Join us to look to Jesus’ coming again.

Why not check out what is Behind the Carols?

Paul McPhail