"This majestic carol encompasses the amazing truth of Philippians 2:6-11: “who, though he [Jesus] was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

Read more: Christmas Carol Countdown | No.7 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

"While some songs on the radio remind us of how little preparation we have made for the festive season, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ is a great reminder of the true reason as to why we celebrate Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

It is undeniable that many of us tend to get caught up amongst the festivities around this time of the year. Christmas trees, decorations, Christmas markets, and even festive drinks at Starbucks and Costa. All of the worldly traditions that have been developed and adapted over the years that we all love (or, in some cases, love to hate...). We don’t want to say that these things aren’t worthwhile. However, we need to cast our minds back to the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. God sent His one and only Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.

Read more: Christmas Carol Countdown | No.8 – Once in Royal David’s City

"I love this Christmas carol, which celebrates Jesus’ first coming and expresses a longing for His return. It displays a thoroughly Christ-centred focus, with an appreciation for the ‘big picture’ of God’s saving plan. Just the kind of thing we need to keep in mind when we think about Jesus, especially at Christmas time.

 

In the ‘Hymns Ancient & Modern (1861)’ English version [translated from the original Latin version], various titles describe Jesus in the different verses. Each one emphasises an aspect of His person and works. Spending a few moments to unpack some of them is a wonderful treat for our souls, so let’s begin…

"This carol was composed by English poet, Christina Rossetti, and published under the title ‘A Christmas Carol’ in January 1872. Gustav Holst then set the words to music in 1906, followed by Harold Darke’s more complex composition in 1911. This latter version was named ‘Best Christmas Carol’ in a 2008 poll of some of the world’s leading choirmasters and choral experts.

 

It was only as I started to write this devotional that I discovered there are actually five verses in the carol, rather than the four that are commonly sung.