Carols & Hymns
This carol, based on Psalm 98, was written by Isaac Watts and originally had no connection to Christmas.
What is Joy to the World?
The Gospel that includes the visit of the Magi.
What is Matthew?
The color used for the third candle of the Advent wreath, symbolizing joy.
What is rose (pink)?
The Greek word “Emmanuel” means this.
What is “God with us”?
The Roman festival of Saturnalia likely influenced the timing of Christmas, which was first celebrated in this century
What is the 4th century?
This 19th-century carol includes the line “Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother.”
What is O Holy Night?
The Gospel that includes the Magnificat
What is Luke?
The 12 days of Christmas begin on this date.
What is December 25th?
The doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
What is the Incarnation?
This early Church Father wrote extensively about the significance of the Incarnation in On the Incarnation.
Who is Athanasius?
This hymn, translated from Latin, includes the phrase “Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning.”
What is O Come, All Ye Faithful?
The name of the prophetess who recognized Jesus in the temple.
Who is Anna?
This feast, celebrated on January 6, commemorates the visit of the Magi.
What is Epiphany?
The angel’s words “Do not be afraid” appear this many times in the nativity narratives.
What is three times?
In this country, “Las Posadas” reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.
What is Mexico?
This carol, written by Charles Wesley, originally began “Hark how all the welkin rings.”
What is Hark! The Herald Angels Sing?
The phrase “in the fullness of time” appears in this Pauline epistle referring to Christ’s birth.
What is Galatians?
The Jesse Tree tradition traces this lineage.
What is the lineage of Jesus (or the family tree of Christ)?
The genealogy in Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage through this Old Testament king.
Who is David?
The Council of Nicaea affirmed this key doctrine, which undergirds the theology of Christmas.
What is the divinity of Christ (or the Nicene Creed)?
This haunting carol, set to the tune Greensleeves, asks “What child is this, who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping?”
What is What Child Is This?
The Old Testament prophet who foretold, “Out of you, Bethlehem… shall come forth one who is to be ruler in Israel.”
Who is Micah?
This German reformer is often credited with popularizing the use of the Christmas tree.
Who is Martin Luther?
The phrase “the Word became flesh” is found in this verse.
What is John 1:14?
This 13th-century saint is credited with creating the first live nativity scene
Who is St. Francis of Assisi?