Carols in the Domain

Last night, with another 90 odd thousand I was in the Domain for the traditional Carols. When we began by singing O Come all Ye Faithful, I was struck. How many of the performers, and crowd, actually knew what they were singing?

There was a generation of people in the crowd who were simply singing words. For most people the Carols are a tradition of Christmas. But it doesn’t highlight thoughts of Jesus. To me, sadly, the carols seem to highlight the secularised Christmas, that Christmas is a time to be together, together singing, laughing, dancing and holding candles; together with loved ones.

It brought to my mind the words of Jesus, as he looked out on another crowd, his words are recorded in Matthew 9:36

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a Shepard.

Postscript: I've just caught the following story via AMS: 'Anti-religious' fervour makes for a muted celebration

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I was really moved by the songs, O Holy Night, and The Prayer as well.

The Prayer
I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

I pray we'll find your light, and hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night, remind us where you are
Let this be our prayer, when shadows fill our day
Help us find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended
And every heart that's broken will be mended
And we'll remember we are all God's children
Reaching out to touch you
Reaching to the sky

We ask that life be kind, and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find another soul to love
Let this be our prayer, just like every child
Who needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Needs to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

(Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster)

O Holy Night

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

Words: Placide Clappeau
Music: Adolphe C. Adam