Christ in the Carols: Thirty-One Devotions for Christmas

by Christopher A. Lane, Frances Lane

What do you think of when you hear strains of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” or “Joy to the World”? Christmas, of course. These and many other beloved carols play a central role in our yearly celebration of Christ’s birth. We sing them together in our churches, radio stations add them to their regular fare in December, and stores pump orchestrated versions to motivate their patrons to “get into the spirit.” It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas carols.

Though most of us can recite the lyrics to our favorite carols from memory, we sometimes fail to appreciate their messages. In this little book, we invite you to take a fresh look at a number of carols and let them become a source of holiday meditation, a vehicle for drawing you closer to Jesus. It is our hope that as you take time out of your busy holiday schedule to engage in these devotions, you and your family will be filled with the same awe, wonder, and joy that inspired the songwriters to pen these carols.

Genres: Poetry, Christmas

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Christopher A. Lane is the author of Eden’s Gate and the best-selling Appearance of Evil, as well as several children’s books, one of which was awarded a Gold Medallion. He and his wife own Alpha-Omega Productions, which provides media reviews to subscribers. They live in Colorado Springs with their children.

Christopher Lane is a prolific writer who has published 15 books for the inspirational and religious market, including six children's novels, one of which won the Gold Medallion Award and another the C.S. Lewis Award. He continues to write for the Christian market. This first mystery is his debut in the American Booksellers market.

His Inupiat Eskimo Mystery series has the author listed as "Christopher Lane".

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant little book of thirty-one Christmas devotions. Interesting that most carols were drawn from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Reminds us that not all church music has been stuffy and hymn-like. Carols, easy to remember and sing, were the "praise music" of their day, and not restricted to just Christmas.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I liked the way each chapter was laid out starting with a Christmas hymn then the background. Verses following and a prayer but I don’t know it just didn’t grab me.
It was well written and I think would appeal to people with a musical background more than I have. Some of the hymns were unknown and I would love to hear the music that goes with them. One was an Amy Grant song that I am familiar with her music but not that song.
If you are looking for a devotional advent book leading up to the Christmas season you might try this it might be your kind of book. It just wasn’t mine.

[Casey Cogburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday was the “end of Christmas time” on the liturgical calendar, so it was very fitting to finish this little book this morning☺️(🎄taking down the decorations next👊🏼).
It is always nice to revisit the carols of Christmas and then I believe it is extra nice to learn of the origin…who wrote the words, the notes, the country and year (mostly 17th century! Those guys are rock stars to me❤️)…and then, extra extra nice the songs meanings are given back to me in a daily meditation, scriptures, and prayer.
You can’t help but sing these melody’s throughout the day.🎶🎶🎶
Keeping the season merry and bright and joyful and singingly.
Let’s 5 star ⭐️ that!!

[Becky Philo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book as an Advent read and loved it. Each day I read a Christmas carol, paired with Scripture and a thoughtful reflection. Some of the carols were new to me, while others were longtime favorites, and the devotions were meaningful. It was a great way to prepare my heart for Christmas.

[Amanda Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made my Christmas so meaningful!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely advent devotional for .music lovers,however some carols are not well known

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and different kind of devotional. Definitely worth a go through in advent.

[Linda Shaw · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. It wasn't my "cup of tea".

[Sarah Orser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read and interesting to learn about the history of each of the carols.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed each written devotion and listening to the Christmas Carol. I could not find two of the carols to listen to, so I picked another to listen to. 29/31 and I had 5 favorites, some old and some new. A wonderful way to start each morning in December.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great way to find holiday inspiration.