Who is Christmas Caroling for, and Why?
Updated Version:
As Christmas approaches, Christians of all ages—children to the elderly—disregard the biting winter cold to sing and dance in homes and courtyards with instruments and groups during Christmas caroling. In urban areas, many churches and Christians limit caroling to within their homes or church halls. Alongside the caroling, blessings are shared, and well-wishes for Christmas and the New Year are exchanged. Churches, too, are likely preparing for Christmas within their capacities.
Yet, some may wonder: What is Christmas caroling, and why is it done? This article seeks to shed light on these questions.
A Brief History of Christmas Caroling
The tradition of singing hymns predates Christ’s birth, as evidenced by the Delphic Hymn (280 BCE), sung in honor of the Greek god Apollo. Over time, hymns found their place in the church. Church history reveals that Clement of Alexandria emphasized prioritizing Christ’s birth in worship. This evolved from simple hymns into carols, which became part of church services.
Carols are considered one of the oldest forms of music used in ancient churches. They are distinct from formal hymns, often informal and accessible for anyone to compose and sing.
The first formal introduction of Christmas carols is attributed to Bishop Telesphorus of Rome in 129 CE. The earliest carol about Christ’s nativity was written by Prudentius (circa 238 CE), with works like Vox Clara and Christe Redemptor. Saint Jerome addressed this topic in the 5th century, while Sedulius wrote A Solis Ortus during the same period.
Organized and systematic use of Christmas carols emerged in the 4th century in Rome. Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan, composed the Latin hymn Veni Redemptor Gentium (Come, Redeemer of the Nations), which sharply outlined the doctrine of Jesus as both divine and human. This hymn also refuted Arianism, asserting that Christ was not created but co-eternal with the Father.
By the 9th and 10th centuries, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux introduced structured carols in the monasteries of Northern Europe. In the 13th century, Saint Francis of Assisi encouraged singing Christmas hymns in vernacular languages across France, Germany, and Italy. In English, the practice began only in 1426 when Father John Awdley compiled 25 songs, initiating the tradition of caroling door-to-door.
Reformation leader Martin Luther also composed carols, encouraging their use in worship. His hymn, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, remains a staple in church services. The tradition gained momentum in Protestant-majority areas during the 16th-century Reformation.
Caroling in Nepal’s Christian Context
Nepal’s Christian history is relatively short. Christmas caroling gained prominence in the 1990s but has become increasingly diluted with modernity. Many fail to grasp its true meaning, resulting in misaligned practices. Churches, too, bear some responsibility for not imparting proper education on its purpose.
So, what is caroling?
Is it simply “playing carols”?
Caroling is not a form of deusi-bhailo (traditional Nepali song and dance performed during Tihar, the Hindu festival of lights) or a game to play. It is a profound medium for sharing the Gospel story—proclaiming that Jesus Christ came to this world to bear humanity’s sins. It is an opportunity to bring hope to the hopeless, recital of forgiveness for the burdened, and guide those lost in darkness toward the light. It is not merely an activity but a chance to declare the Good News of Jesus Christ in public.
Who Is Caroling For?
As a Gospel-centered practice, caroling is meant for those outside the church. It is a way to connect with the unchurched, draw them closer, and build relationships. Unfortunately, it has become an inward-focused tradition, more about personal celebration and entertainment than outreach.
Historically, carolers would sing and dance in circles, expressing joy in Christ. Today, with a blend of Nepali and Western music, we compose melodious songs and sing until exhausted. While these songs should glorify God, our current motives often center on self-indulgence. Caroling, in its present state, risks becoming merely a festive excuse rather than a proclamation of the Savior’s birth.
We must examine our hearts. Are we clinging to worldly traditions like deusi-bhailo? If so, let us renew our focus. Like the shepherds who announced Jesus’ birth, let us use this opportunity to declare the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.
References:
- Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Volumes I-XIII
- The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volumes I-XV
- Miles, Clement A., Christmas Customs and Traditions: Their History and Significance, Courier Dover Publications, 1976.
- Ibid., pp. 31-37.
- Ibid., pp. 47-48.
- Studwell, William E.; Hoffmann, Frank; Cooper, B. Lee, The Christmas Carol Reader, Routledge, 1995.
