A Song for the Christmas Spirit

"There is one thing which is of more importance than they all --
for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.
"He shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem...she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son,
yea, even the Son of God."

       -The prophet Alma, about 83 BC [Alma 7:7,10] 

It's the most wonderful time of the year. But sometimes it can be hard to really appreciate the significance of the season. That scripture keeps coming to mind because it says so clearly there is nothing more important than the reality of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. It means so much for us. I have been trying to ponder on this lately in order to really the Spirit of Christ this Christmas.

I just listened to this song -- A Carol of Joy. It's one I sang as part of the BYU combined choir number in two of the five annual Celebration of Christmas concerts I participated in. Hearing it again (and singing along wishing I could sing it again) just brought the Spirit so quickly and helped me feel the hope, joy and love Christ's coming brings to the world. 

I remember loving how the poetry refers to a fallen world, a fearful world and a friendless world. And it shows how Christ overcame physical death, sin and sadness.

Enjoy the song with the lyrics posted below. 

Merry Christmas!

Carol of Joy

by Eileen Berry

Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky.
Lengthening shadows,
Dark closing in...

Then, through the stillness, carols begin!

Oh fallen world, to you is the song--
Death holds you fast and night tarries long.

Jesus is born, your curse to destroy!
Sweet to your ears, a carol of Joy!

Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold barren hillside, shrouded in snow;
Deep, empty valley veiled by the night;
Hear angel music--hopeful and bright!

Oh fearful world, to you is the song--
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong!
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound--

A carol of joy!

A Saviour is found!

Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies!
Look up sad hearted--witness God's love!
Join in the carol swelling above!

Oh friendless world, to you is the song!
All Heaven's joy to you may belong!
You who are lonely, laden, forlorn--
Oh fallen world!
Oh friendless world!

To you,

A Saviour is born!