the true meaning of
Christmas Carols
The story behind the carol...
It is amazing that it was shepherds, (common ordinary working men), and not kings and rulers to whom God sent the angel with his thrilling message of the birth of the Saviour. Similarly, Matthew records that the civil and religious leaders were completely ignorant of this tremendous event and were stunned to learn from the visiting magi that Christ had been born.
The carol “While Shepherds Watched” dates back to 1703 and was written by Nahum Tate, (Poet Laureate in the reign of Queen Anne), and Nicholas Brady.
At His birth, through His life, and even at His death, the Lord Jesus displayed His compassion and love for those the world often overlooks. He healed lepers, forgave outcast sinners, responded to the cries of blind beggars, welcomed the lost, preached to the poor, and even saved a crucified, dying malefactor.
This, of course, displays the heart of God who loves the world and desires everyone to be saved. No matter who you are, and no matter what you have done, you will find a Saviour ready to receive you and forgive you if you will turn to Him in repentance. That is another way of saying what the Bible teaches: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8).
In the Bible, this message of salvation is called “The Gospel.” That is the message message God wishes to convey to us all - that He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus, to be the Saviour of the world.
