Apostles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took to social media this week to share heartwarming Christmas messages and wishes. Read through their inspiring words here!
President Dallin H. Oaks
President Henry B. Eyring
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Dale G. Renlund
Our current English hymnal and Children’s Song Book contain thirty Christmas carols. Of these, five have explicit invitations to come to Bethlehem to see the Christ-child and eighteen have implied invitations to do so. Seven carols celebrate the season generally but do not include such invitations.
One hymn that extends this invitation is “Angels We Have Heard on High.” It is based on an English translation of a traditional French carol. Even though it was penned in 1862, it reflects a legend that goes back centuries. The title in French, “Les anges dans nos campagnes,” literally translates as “The angels in our countrysides.” In the valleys of France, shepherds camped in the foothills. To mark the Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve, those in one end of the valley would start by chanting, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” or “glory to God in the highest.” Other shepherds heard this call and repeated it. Thus, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” was shouted along the mountainsides and progressed like an echo throughout the valley, announcing Christmas celebrations.
The direct English translation from the French declares, “The Angels in our countryside sang the song of heaven; and the echo of our mountains resumes this melodious tune: Gloria in excelsis Deo.” The shepherds are then asked, “For whom is this feast? What is the purpose of all these songs? What a victor, what a conquest is it worth these triumphant cries?”
The answer is that these songs “announce the birth of the Redeemer, the King of Israel. And, in gratitude for him, the earth sings, Gloria in excelsis Deo.” Then follows the song’s invitation, “Let us all look for the happy village that saw him born under its roof, let us offer him the tender tribute and our hearts and our voices!” In English we sing, “Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.”
Wise men came to Bethlehem to see Jesus Christ as a baby. Wise men and women still figuratively come to Bethlehem to learn of His pre-mortal Godhood, perfect life, and selfless and infinite atoning sacrifice. We should all do so.
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Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
