Carols From the First Christmas

In the first two chapters of the Gospel According to Luke there are five poetic pieces, songs we might say, that announce the arrival of the promised Messiah. Each of the individuals who exclaim these beautiful words are used by the Holy Spirit as heralds of the good news that a Savior King was being born. The five heralds of the coming of the Christ are: Elizabeth the cousin of Mary (1:42-45), Mary the mother of Jesus (1:46-55), Zechariah the husband of Elizabeth (1:68-79), the angels who appeared to the shepherds (2:14), and Simeon the old prophet (2:29-32). We should be careful to notice that each of the “songs” has within it latent emphasis. Elizabeth’s Song has emphasizes humble faith. Mary’s Song emphasizes faith. Zechariah’s Song emphasizes hope. The Angels’ Song speaks of joy - adoration. Simeon’s Song emphasizes waiting.