Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ was born today. Ox and ass before him bow and he is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

This beloved carol dates back to medieval times, though it’s current popular setting is less than two hundred years old. It begins by painting a picture of the Christmas story and then dives deep into the full meaning of Christ’s birth for the creation. In other words, how Christ’s coming fulfills the ancient promises of salvation.

Though we only sing this song during the season of Christmastide, it might be worth considering that the Christ-child is still born today. The child is born in our hearts every day when we live as Jesus taught us – when we show love in the face of hate, lift up the broken hearted, and welcome even the outcast in our midst.

Why can we do this? Because Christ was born to save and that salvation takes root here and now. So rejoice, for Christ was born for this.

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!