Old hymns can sometimes not hit the mark in worshipful attitude and theology, the two components to a great worship song. But of course hundreds of christian worship songs are written monthly and a lot miss the mark as well. However, as I prepare and lead advent and Christmas services I began to reflect on these hardy little tunes that have endured so long. Often their music is so full and robust you can miss the message and worship of the song. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was never a song intended to live past 1868, but fits the bill here.
The first stanza is perfect for advent. It sings,
“Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.”
Advent is a time of waiting and often in darkness. Everything compared to Christ is dark and we await his second return as Israel awaited the messiah those many years ago. From darkness to light is not only the message of Christmas but of the gospel as well.
The last stanza also hits me in the theological heart,
“O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”
As we live in this dark world and know how great God’s kingdom is, we can only pray as Jesus taught us, “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Matt 6:10. Descend to us Lord. Only he can “cast out” our sin and make us pure. John 3 concerning being born again is here as well as John 15 of abiding with us. How amazing to have a God who not only casts out sin from our lives but he also lives with us.
As we sing songs like this one this Christmas, may they not be simply nostalgic candy to our ears but robust worship moments, engaging our lives with God’s to see a glimpse of his kingdom as he brings it.
For His Kingdom 