There is such joy in timeless carols. In the midst of darkness and discouragement, by simply hearing these lyrics and the oh-so-familiar melodies, we can feel the hope that came when Christ was born.

As we approach this Christmas—a Christmas that comes amidst a global pandemic, inevitable restrictions on our family gatherings, and churches struggling to have in-person gatherings—it becomes that much more important for us to fill our homes with joy and with songs. (Here’s a Spotify playlist that will help with that.)

The darkness seems that much deeper this year. Depression, isolation, boredom, worry, and fear are gripping many. The prescription for our common ailment is song.

And so, for the three Sundays leading up to Christmas, we will look at three Christmas carols that point us to our longing for, surrender to, and praise of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. We’ll look at how Joseph, Jesus’ father, the Magi, the shepherds, Gabriel, and the angelic hosts of heaven reacted to being part of God’s grand plan to save us. And in their reactions, we’ll see a template for our own. Following each of the messages, as we respond to what we have heard from the Word, the worship team will sing the featured Christmas song.