Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season

by David Leeman, Barbara Leeman

Enrich Your Christmas with the Sounds of the Season Music has always been central to celebrating the coming of Christ into the world. With Hosanna in Excelsis you can experience the hymns of the season like never before. This devotional couples the lyrics and score of a new hymn daily with a devotional message about the hymn’s biblical and spiritual truths. You’ll find hymns of advent like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” that anticipate the coming of Christ, hymns of Nativity like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” that celebrate His birth, and hymns of Epiphany like “Go Tell it on the Mountain” that marvel at His glory. Go deeper with classic Christmas favorites like “O Holy Night” and learn others that may be lesser-known like “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry.” Each devotional teaches you about the background of the hymn, while inviting you into worship and praise. Celebrate the coming of Christ by immersing yourself in the legacy of music that truly honors the Christmas season. Hosanna in Excelsis is a great Christmas gift for the musicians in your life or for anyone who wants to go deeper celebrating the birth of our savior.

Genres: Christmas, Music, Christian, Devotional, Nonfiction, Faith

128 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift and as such I didn’t know what to expect but I decided to try the first Advent devotion based on a Carol or hymn. I loved it. I enjoyed singing old favorites and I really loved learning new hymns here and there. For the most part I sang all the songs out loud with help from Spotify or YouTube when I didn’t know the carol.
I do not sing well, BUT, I sang anyway.

The day’s devotion starts with background on the writer of the hymn and the author of the tune. The final section of the day is titled: As You Sing This Song. I groaned expecting it to be didactic or saccharine and full of silly questions. I am overjoyed to report that it was none of that. Usually it had helpful comments that enhanced the singing.

I didn’t want the book to end so I am happy to note the authors David and Barbara Leeman have another volume coming out soon for the regular year.

Highly recommended.

[Kelly Gwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this! I got SO much out of moving through the season this way. I loved that they hymns were categorized (Advent, Nativity, Epiphany) and the selections were golden. I plan to use this as a family devotional next year for Christmas season.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for family devotions this Christmas season. Here’s my endorsement:

David and Barbara Leeman have done it again. Their newest hymnal, Hosanna in Excelsis—a collection of carols and devotions for the Christmas season—unlocks the riches of the rescue mission we call the incarnation. Each hymn is accompanied by three sections: “Text” (on the background of both author and song), “Tune” (on the melody), and “As You Sing This Hymn” (practical application for thought and life). What a terrific resource to help families and churches lift their voices to the King in the manger, resting in the shadow of a cross.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading background information about the wrote and composed so many different Christmas hymns/carols. The devotional paragraph at the end of each day, that gave info about the specific lyrics, helped me more fully understand the verses and worship God through them rather than singing them with familiarity and missing out on the depth of the words. It was a great way to spend Advent and Christmas-tide since the devotional spans all the way to Epiphany (Jan. 6), giving ample time to read about a ton of new Christmas hymns I’d never heard of as well as dearly treasures ones.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that uses the beautiful lyrics and historical personages of several famous Christmas hymns to inspire readers to a deeper reverence for Emmanuel. There is one hymn for December 1 - Jan 6 (that is the Christmas season and 12 days of Epiphany that follows).

[Emma Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful advent book that focuses on a Christmas hymn every day during the advent season and gives background on the writer and composer as well as a devotion.

It was a beautiful way to focus my heart during the Christmas season!

[Emma Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically choose a new Advent devotional each year, and Hosanna in Excelsis is one of my favorites! I loved learning the stories behind familiar Christmas carols, and being introduced to new ones that span the course of Christian hymnody over the last 2000 years.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional reading for December to enhance all the beautiful songs we get to sing.

[Brittany Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting and soul-stirring collection of hymns and their history to be read from the start of Advent through Epiphany. I loved every page.

[Ann Gemmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love the story behind hymns - this is a great reading for Advent and Christmastide!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman is a nicely bound book of Christmas carols with individual short histories of their composition and contemplations of the message of the carols themselves.

There are many familiar carols, O Holy Night, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Away In A Manger…etc. And some new ones. The summarized biographies of the authors and composers were quite interesting too. Sometimes the information was quite tantalizing, leaving you wanting to know more about the author, and for others it was more disappointing to hear the background, though in some cases discouraging. "O Holy Night" has been a favorite carol of my family, but the background behind it was anything but inspiring ,"Written by a man with little belief in the Christmas story, put to music by a nonbelieving Jewish musician, and translated by a liberal theologian….". We of course, still really like the song, I suppose it just goes to show that you can have head knowledge of Christianity without being a Christian, without being a "new Creation".

There were also a few songs that were new to me that I found quite inspiring, like "The Hands that First Held Mary's Child", I found this part of the third stanza of that song was quite stirring: "This child shall be Emmanuel, not God upon the throne, but God with us, Emmanuel, as close as blood and bone…". Interesting way to describe God's unique choice of how He would demonstrate that He is 'with us'. And then in "Joy Has Dawned Upon the World", Son of Adam, Son of heav'n, given as a ransom; reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty Champion! What a Savior! What a Friend! What a glorious myst'ry."

I really appreciated the concern with the biblical accuracy of songs. For instance, They make sure to point out that the author of The First Noel probably wasn't very well instructed in the Bible, as they had the Shepherds see the star, which the Bible does not indicate.

Most of all, I really liked how they really wanted you to contemplate what you are singing, that you are not just singing for nostalgia but proclaiming profound truths/concepts. In the contemplation of one of Charles Wesley's carols they comment, "As is characteristic of the hymns of Charles Wesley, every phrase is packed with Theology and allusions to or quotations of scripture…(list of vs.)…Reading each one before you sing will give you a deeper appreciation of songs written from Scripture rather than simply from personal experience or emotions."

I really like this book, this is not merely a sentimentally pleasing look at Christmas Carols, it directs ones thought truly to the implications of what these songs are addressing, which brings more than sentimentality, it brings awe and chills to think of God's amazing work of salvation.

I'll end with an excerpt from the book's contemplation of "What Child is This?": "Notice that the first two stanzas ask two profound questions, 'Who?' and 'Why?' The first, 'What child is this?' is rhetorical, a way of asking 'who is this one?' Although you know the answer, you sing as an expression of wonder and awe, a way of saying, 'this appears to good to be true!' Is this baby on Mary's lap really Christ the King? The 'why?' follows: Why would God in Jesus come to earth 'in such mean estate' (a lowly place)? And why would 'nails, spear…pierce him through'? A false view of Christmas expects Christmas songs to be only lullabies of happy thoughts. Think of secular Christmas songs. While a few are melancholy, can you think of any that speak of death or tragedies. We understand the nativity is only the beginning of the story. We cannot stop at the stable. David Mathis writes: 'The light and joy of Christmas are hollow at best, and even horrifying if we sever the link between Bethlehem and Golgotha…'Nails, spear shall pierce him through' doesn't ruin Christmas. It gives the season its power."

Many Thanks to the folks at MP Newsroom for sending me a free review copy of this book! My review did not have to be favorable.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful hardcover book and makes a wonderful addition to the Christmas season. In the foreword of the book, Gregory Athnos states: "More than an accumulation of carols, it is history, reclaiming expressions of joy and delight from the earliest carols through the centuries to our own day. It is personal, recounting the stories, the people, and the inspirations behind the music." Which is exactly what this book delivers.

This book is broken down into three sections. The first section is about "hymns of advent." The second section is about the "hymns of the nativity." And the third section is about the "hymns of epiphany." There are forty-three songs in this book written by forty-three authors who "share their spiritual view of Christmas-simple, brief, but powerful words about a birth and the surrounding circumstances."

I never really thought about the Christmas season being broken down into advent, nativity and epiphany. You hear about it, of course, but I never really thought through what it means. This book gives brief, but easy to understand thoughts about these three divisions. Once I read this book I decided that we would read this book together, as a family, using this book as a devotional for the Christmas season. It is dated, so the book can easily be used in this way. It starts with November 25th and goes through January 6th. The Scripture that goes with each day is conveniently located in the back of the book, under a section called "Christmas in the Bible."

While many of the hymns are familiar, there were quite a few that we had never heard before. Apparently you can purchase a recording with all the songs listed in the book from Spotify or iTunes, but I did not know this when I got the book. Even without the music it is a great book on it's own. Some songs can be found on YouTube.

In this book you not only learn about the history behind the music, you also learn a little bit about the author and the composer. I know there are a lot of advent books out there, but I feel that this one is quite different from the others, and as previously stated, believe it would be a wonderful addition to the Christmas season. This is a unique book and one that I highly recommend.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Joanne Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas has always been a time of year I hold near and dear to my heart. Christmas carols often begin playing way before Thanksgiving and continue on after the calendar announces the new year. In the midst of the turmoil of 2020, I admit I found peace and comfort from the familiar sounds of Christmas music.

It was easy to welcome Hosanna in Excelsis, by David & Barbara Leeman, onto my bookshelves and into my heart.

This is a beautiful Advent devotional taking Christmas hymns and bringing them to life as the authors share the musical history, the lyrics, and a biblical reflection each day of the season.

The book is divided into three sections for a total of forty three readings:

~ Hymns of Advent: These are hymns that prepare us for December 25th, while helping us to anticipate Christ’s future return.
~ Hymns of the Nativity: Here the reader will find hymns bringing us to remember the manger and the human birth of Christ, while at the same time reminding us of the Cross for which He came.
~ Hymns of Epiphany: During the days after Christmas, we remember the visit of the wise men to see Jesus. Upon finding Jesus, they humbly bow down and worship. May these hymns remind us to humble ourselves before Him, coming to Him each day to worship.

Throughout the book, I found both the most familiar and beloved Christmas melodies and many I had never heard. Yet each devotional brought a powerful point to ponder. There were many wonderful quotes and Scriptures shared which will make this book one I will hold onto and revisit each year.

“Jesus is the name which moves the harps of heaven to melody. Jesus! The life of all our joys, the sum of all our delights, a song in a word, an ocean for comprehension, a matchless oratorio in two syllables, a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters.” (Charles Spurgeon, as quoted on page 28)

*I was provided a copy of this book by Moody Publishers. All opinions are honest and my own.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever stop to think about the hundreds of songs that have been written about the birth of Jesus? Every language and culture has made its contribution, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, but David and Barbara Leeman have collected the brightest and the best of them in a lovely volume that’s just right for the delightful combination of singing and pondering that have been part of my family’s Christmas tradition for a couple of decades.

Beginning on November 25, Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season offers forty three readings and Christmas hymns to take you through Advent, Christmastide, and into Epiphany and the New Year! Brief biographies of the authors and composers accompany each devotional reading, but the point is to get you and your family to sing your Christmas joy in the tradition of believers from the fourth century through today.

Perfect for gift giving or as an addition to your own Advent traditions, Hosanna in Excelsis will be a fresh infusion of joy to our first empty nest Christmas, and as Tucker the lazy St. Bernard adds his howling descant to our singing, we’ll nod in agreement with poet, Robert Herrick:

What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?
Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
Many thanks to Moody Publishing for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

I love doing a Christmas Devotional and this year I had the pleasure of being sent a musical one. Hosanna in Excelsis gives the history on the words and the music of the most popular (and Christian) Christmas hymns.

Following that, is the sheet music for that song so you can sing (or play) along.

I really enjoyed reading the history behind my favourite religious hymns. I grew up in a household that was half Roman Catholic and half Jewish but neither was really religious. So I knew the most popular Christian Christmas songs and we had a nativity set. However I certainly didn’t know the history of the songs. I didn’t even fully understand what all the words mean.

The book doesn’t just have the ones that even secular people tend to sing. For example We Three King, Silent Night or Joy to the World.) The book also includes ones I’ve never heard of like On Jordan’s Bank The Baptist’s Cry, Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Fullness of Grace and Standing at the Portal.

[Clive · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best Christmas devotional I have read. Throughout Advent, then the Nativity/Christmas season and on to Epiphany, David and Barbara Leeman discuss one hymn/carol each day. The histories of the authors and composers of the hymns make interesting reading to many well-known, and some not-so-well-known, Christmas hymns and carols. And each day the authors have provided a devotional meditation to consider ‘as you sing this hymn’. A copy of the music and words is also included each day.
I would have liked either a CD or Internet link for the hymns provided with this book, as I think it would have enhanced my enjoyment of this devotional.
Overall I think it a great resource for individuals or families to use over the Christmas season.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking. There are many times I hear a Christmas carol and want to ponder the meaning more than what is provided in the space of a service or slot on the radio. This book is an excellent resource to guide you in creating space for those thoughts and meditations. I enjoyed reading all the hymns at once and will relish savoring one a day during the Advent season. I look forward to sharing many truths with my family during Advent and having the opportunity to reread this wonderful book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas carols so I loved learning more about the people who wrote the lyrics and those who composed the music. There is one hymn for each day of Advent through Epiphany (Jan 6). Each carol/hymn has a brief bio of the person who wrote the text, a brief bio of the composer and then a section titled “as you sing this hymn”. The music with lyrics is on the opposite page-the music is simple enough that I can read it and play on my guitar, and there are quite a few I’ve already been playing using other books such as We Three Kings. I discovered this book late in the season in 2020 so I’m looking forward to starting it earlier in 2021 and playing a carol a day.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would really benefit from being in a physical format and sat around a piano or church organ to really get the best out of it as I felt it lost something in kindle format but it’s a fascinating read full of hymns you may know and some you have probably never heard of. All with an insight into the history of the song and the stories of our most holy days

[Kinsey Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Advent devotional takes the reader all the way through the season past Christmas and to Epiphany, using a different Christmas hymn each day. While I enjoyed learning the history of the various hymns, I strongly preferred the songs I already knew, since they were easier to sing along. The readings were short and sweet, just one page a day, and I had a lot of fun with this book.

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning the behind the scenes for each hymn, and as a family we loved the devotions and singing the hymns we knew together. I’m thankful that this was our choice for the advent season.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on Chirp.

[Anna Sangrey Roussel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A main Advent highlight. Beautiful.

[Jessica Vique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be reading this next year as well! I loved ending the night with a Christmas hymn

[Lakeisha Heeringa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love Christmas carols? In this Advent devotional, you’ll get the history and meaning behind 43 old and new carols. Each carol is printed so you can sing or play it, or just meditate on the lyrics. The accompanying page gives a short history of the tune and lyrics and then offers some thought-provoking paragraphs on how to apply the text to our lives.

The book begins on November 25 and ends on January 6, offering readings and carols dealing with Advent, the Nativity, and Epiphany. Songs include old hymns like Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence and O Come, O Come Emmanuel, songs that changed the landscape of Christmas worship like Angels from the Realms of Glory and Joy to the World, and songs with deep and poignant meaning like I Heard the Bells and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. All the old favorites are in this book (except Carol of the Bells, ) and you’ll even find some new favorites!

Bottom Line: I highly recommend this super easy, fun for all ages, Advent book!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of Christmas hymns, divided into Advent, Nativity, and Epiphany--one a day from November 25th through January 6th. Each hymn is accompanied by a little biographical information on the author and composer and a short devotional reading. Several of the songs were new to me (I was delighted to find one that featured Joseph and *wasn't* heretical--he is largely absent from Christmas carols). I think next year this may be a book I work through with my girls--it would also be a great starting point for a Christmas playlist!

Update, 1/6/24:
This time, I went through Hosanna in Excelsis with the kids. It's a great way to intentionally add music to your celebration of Advent and Christmas. Definitely one that will be repeated.