Sounds Like Christmas
For me, “Carol of the Bells” screams Christmas and announces the season is upon us. It is even captured in the lyrics proclaiming “Christmas is here!” The tune is catchy and welcoming. It is familiar to us, bringing up warm cherished memories of Christmases’ from long ago. It is timeless and perpetual. I love to perform it with choirs and vocal ensembles. I love how the song repeats in rounds. Its repetitive motif can get stuck in my head with an endless swirl. I am moved by the onomatopoeia of the “Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!” I like the various arrangements that artists have tied to this former Ukrainian folk song. This song says that Christmas is for everybody, “The young and the old, the meek and the bold.”
Although, one of my favorites, “Carol of the Bells” is not, however, the most popular Christmas carol in the world. That prestige would be reserved for the solemn, calming, and peaceful “Silent Night.” In one search of the greatest Christmas carols in the world, “Carol of the Bells” came in at number 23 on the chart. That’s not bad considering all the languages and cultures surveyed. In the United States, it is a staple on most holiday playlists. There are over one hundred fifty recordings and numerous variations of the song, both instrumental and vocal arrangements.
From Folk Song to Christmas Carol
It might surprise you to learn that “Carol of the Bells” was not originally written as a Christmas song. Mykola Leontovych, the son of a Ukrainian priest, composed the song in 1916, as a Ukrainian folk tune called “The Shchedryk.” It was originally played in the springtime to mark the beginning of the new year. The original lyrics tell the story of a little swallow that flies into a family home to declare hope and prosperity in the coming year marking a joyful time of celebration and renewal.
Political drama surrounds the song when Ukraine was invaded by the Bolsheviks during the post World War I Russian expansion. The Ukrainian National Chorus was formed which toured prominent and influential European countries hoping to gain international recognition and support. Using Leontovych’s “Shchedryk,” Oleksander Koshyts rearranged it to be a focal point of their concerts. In 1922, the Ukrainian National Chorus made its way to the United States and performed at Carnegie Hall. It is speculated that in the audience that night was Ukrainian-born, American composer, Peter Wilhousky, who adapted the song and penned the Christmas lyrics that we have today. The revision soared in overwhelming popularity in the United States and was particularly embraced by music teachers.
One Melody, Many Expressions
The song transcends musical styles, genres and cultures. It is adaptable from its a cappella origins to being instrumental background in movies like “Home Alone” or a strong, driving metal rhythm from the Tran-Siberian Orchestra. Even the Bay Life Church choir performed a stirring rendition of “Carol of the Bells” during the Christmas season of 2024. The musical styles of this song span the range of classical, pop, jazz, electronic, instrumental arrangements for violin, flute, string quartet, and piano, along with choral parts including soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. My favorite is still the traditional hand bells. No matter what version or adaptation, we can easily recognize this classic Christmas song.
This reminds me of the gospel and the various ways God’s global children worship Him. The message remains the same even as the presentation varies. Like “Carol of the Bells,” the gospel transcends language, culture, and styles. Imagine a worship service in Africa, Asia, Central or South America compared to what we experience at Bay Life. Even in the United States, church services vary. The volume may be softer or louder. The service may be shorter or may linger longer. The beat of the music may be faster or slower or take on the cultural identity of the congregants. The common denominator is the truth of the Gospel. Since God looks at the heart, the style or length of the worship service, volume or beat of the music, is not the important part. Each believer’s humble attitude and submissive heart is the essence of worship to God.
Let the Truth Ring Louder than Our Preferences
Whatever your preferences may be in worship style, the flow of a service, or the voice that leads it, may the truth of the Gospel always be what rises above it all. And as you come to worship, take a quiet moment to evaluate your heart’s condition, for it is your heart, more than anything else, that God lovingly receives. He is the ultimate and proficient translator of our hearts' cries.
Sing it joyfully with good cheer. Sing it and ring it everywhere. Throw our cares away into the open and loving arms of God.
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
(Ring silver bells, ring silver bells)
On on they send, On without end
Their joyful tone to every home
Ding dong, ding dong
Merry Christmas Everybody!
