Today on Who Knew Wednesday we shared some background on Christmas carols, hymns and songs.

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH – today’s version by Casting Crowns

The lyrics were written in 1862 by James Chadwick, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in the Northern Province of England. It was inspired by a French song that follows the storyline of the ‘angels in the countryside’ singing to the shepherds.

‘Gloria in excelsis deo’ is Latin for ‘glory to God in the highest.’

Popular artists to record the song include: the Carpenters, Chris Tomlin, Mercy Me, Josh Groban, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Sixpence None the Richer.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE – today’s version by Erin O’Donnell

Most people recognize this song from the TV special ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ which features the version by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.  It was released in 1965.  A second version of the song features vocals from children at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California.

TV historians note that the song and program made its debut on CBS Television on December 9, 1965. In the special, Charlie Brown finds himself depressed during the holiday season. Lucy suggests he direct a neighborhood Christmas play, but his best efforts are ignored and mocked by his peers. After Linus tells Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown cheers up, and the Peanuts gang unites to celebrate the Christmas season.

In casting the characters, the producers hired child actors. The program’s soundtrack was also different: it featured a jazz score by pianist Guaraldi. Since there was no laugh track, the tone, pacing, music, and animation led both the producers and network to think the project would be a disaster preceding its broadcast.

BUT…A Charlie Brown Christmas received high ratings and acclaim from critics. It has since been honored with both an Emmy and Peabody Award.

JOY TO THE WORLD – today’s version by Avalon

This carol or hymn was written and published in 1719 by English writer Issac Watts. It is based mostly on Psalm 96: 11-12:

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

It is the most published Christmas hymn in North America.

The origin of the music normally is credited to a tune called “Antioch’ and to George Frederick Handel since it resembles some choruses in the Messiah.

HOW GREAT OUR JOY – today’s version by Phillips, Craig and Dean

The origin of the text for “How Great Our Joy” is not known, but  The New Oxford Book of Carols says it may date back to as early as 1500 AD in Germany. In 1623, the tune was modernized and given an echo setting, where one group or individual repeats the lines of another. There is speculation that the song may have been designed for a Christmas play in which the shepherds’ lines were followed by an off-stage echo.

The first two stanzas of the song were translated by American born Theodore Baker (1851-1934) who studied music in Germany, and the tune is based on an arrangement by Hu­go Jüngst (1853-1923). In the U.S., we generally only sing between 2 and 4 of the original 9 stanzas:

While by my sheep, I watched at night
Glad tiding brought an angel bright

“For you,” he said, “this blessed morn
In Bethlehem a child is born.”

“Go where he lies within a stall
The infant Redeemer of us all.”

There in the stall he sleeping lay;
There by his side I longed to stay.

Sweetly he gazed into my face:
I in his hands my heart did place

Gently I kissed his tiny feet,
Which to my lips were honey-sweet.

Then to my home I made my way:
Yet still that Child with me did stay

Within my arms that Child did rest:
Oh! how my heart with love was blest.

Close shall I guard this darling Boy,
Thus shall my heart be filled with joy.

CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE:
today’s winners: Kristina from Fredericktown and Jessica from Mount Vernon!

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Hannah