If I were a Christmas Carol

Girlfriday's song pick is perfect. I remember her "Pageant" debut well. I was one of the few that actually did have a "small part!" And she couldn't be more right about the additional verses of these songs:

"And yet, beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Take heart, for comfort, love, and hope
come swiftly on the wing;
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing"
• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

"Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend"
• O Holy Night

All that being said, my favorite carol of all time -- as well as one of my favorite songs period -- is "O Holy Night." I know, I know, "Joy to the World" seems a more obvious fit, and it is a close second for sure. But I can be a little too melancholy for "Joy to the World" at times.

The emotional level of "O Holy Night" reduces me to tears almost every time I hear it. It's moving, but at the same time very hopeful. It's worshipful, and I love that. I love the picture of man "pining" in sin before Christ appeared "and the soul felt its worth." For those like me, who feel like they've hit rock-bottom before then been lifted to a mountain top, this song is especially meaningful -- it's the grace of God. I pray my life reflects the spirit of my carol...