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Singing in a Different Language

Once again, we find ourselves in the joy of singing the beloved Christmas and Advent hymns during worship. I also find myself grinning in child-like humor as I chuckle as we sometimes struggle to properly pronounce some of the words in those hymns.

We struggle because some of those words are either in French or Latin. One hymn is obvious as the French word is in the title of “The First Noel.” The second hymn, the Latin words are not so obvious in the hymn as they are reserved for the “refrain.”

Let’s take a look at the “easy” one entitled “The First Noel” as the song tells the story of the announcement of the birth of Jesus through the Angelic announcement and the prominence of the brilliance of the Bethlehem star.

The word “Noel” is French and translates into the English word “Christmas.” The word can also mean “good news” or used as our word “birthday.” The beloved hymn’s “refrain” could literally be saying “Good news! It’s Christmas! Good news! It’s the birthday of a King! Born is the King of Israel!”

 Now, the second hymn, which you may not remember the “title” so much as you do the “refrain” that sends our vocal chords all over the spectrum from alto to tenor and from bass to soprano….you know those words… “Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!” Just singing the one word, “Gloria” takes about 35 notes and hopefully, one breath to get through. It is quite the vocal roller coaster ride.

The hymn is entitled “Angels We Have Heard on High” that speaks similarly of the message of “The First Noel” and the Angelic announcement of the birth of Christ. The song is based on the account of Luke 2:13,“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God….”

The most mispronounced phrase that trips us up is “in excelsis Deo!” These Latin words mean “God in the highest.” So, when we sing, “Gloria, in excelsis, Deo,” we are literally saying “Glory to God in the highest.” It echoes the words of Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Two of the most beloved Christmas hymns that have some fascinating, yet challenging words to understand as well as to pronounce. However, the reason for those words are not challenging at all. They are words of joy, excitement, and hope that speak of salvation and a God who loves us and is willing to come and save us.

As we continue to sing these wonderful words (regardless of how we pronounce them), may be drink in the deep refreshment those words bring that Jesus the Messiah has arrived…he is born…and that is truly good news! Like the Angels, let us go forth praising God and shouting the joy of salvation in Jesus Christ…the Christ of Christmas. 

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