As we quickly approach Christmas Eve, there is simply no better time to worship and sing praises to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! With all there is to be heartbroken about across the globe, we can take comfort in the peace and the love of Christ in our hearts.
What a blessing that Jesus’ earthly mother, Mary, understood the importance of the angel Gabriel’s visitation and that she believed his words – this despite the resulting cultural and religious turmoil. You see, she was a virgin betrothed to Joseph, but not yet married.
As recorded in Luke 2:8-14, the angel of the Lord told the shepherds of the field to fear not, for a Savior was born that day in the city of David (Bethlehem), who is Christ the Lord! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, goodwill toward men!
Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV)
Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘[r]ejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘[d]o not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’ Then Mary said to the angel, ‘[h]ow can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘[t]he Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’ Then Mary said, ‘[b]ehold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Luke 2:4-7 (NKJV)
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘[d]o not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, [a]nd on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
FGGAM started this daily series of Christmas songs on December 14, 2023. We’ll update this article with new Christmas songs on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning!
For Day 10, here is a special treat from the US Army Band (Pershing’s Own)! As a former USAF musician, it brings me joy to see our military men and women performing with such incredible talent and excitement!
I hope you enjoy and maybe even sing along with the US Army Band’s rendition of Go Tell It On The Mountain:
Here are the lyrics:
CHORUS
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
VERSE 1
While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold, throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
VERSE 2
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior‘s birth
VERSE 3
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn
And, in a nod to my beloved mother (who passed in 2020), here is Anne Murray singing Go Tell It On The Mountain. Anne Murray was my mom’s favorite singer – except for when Elvis Presley was singing hymns!
I hope you enjoy Anne Murray’s rendition of Go Tell It On The Mountain:
Please come back to FGGAM’s website every day until Christmas for The 12 Days Of Christmas Songs (2023). Psst… Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!
Merry Christmas! Praise Jesus forevermore!
Please click below to see the previous 12 Days Of Christmas Songs “2023” articles: