References to the Bible, or the Lack Thereof
Overall, the texts of Christmas Fest included a surprising number of lines not directly related to Biblical text. Most often these were found in hymns such as “Beautiful Savior”, “Joy to the World”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”. A possible reason for this is that, as hymns, their texts are primarily liturgical in nature, meant to accompany readings of scriptures. Instead of quoting too much of the Bible, they featured expressions of praise, love, and joy – these also are particularly useful in a not-entirely-Christian context. Because many Christmas Fest attendees may not be Lutheran or even Christian, hymns such as “Joy to the World” can still carry its greater message of joy to all audiences without being tied to a specifically Christian scripture. On the other hand, “Beautiful Savior” with its explicit titles for Jesus tends to be less secular, and therefore carries deeper meaning to followers of Christianity in the audience, but also is a beloved song for all Oles, and so can still inspire a beautiful experience for non-Christian listeners. In general it was this message of light and hope, as reflected by the title Light Dawns, Hope Blooms, that was meant to hold both religious and secular meaning for its many listeners.
Old Testament
Within the 56 lines (18%) referencing the Old Testament, the primary sources were the books of Isaiah and Psalms. Selections from Elijah and “Light Dawns on a Weary World” were major influences of this trend, with references to (or quotations from) Isaiah 55 and 58, and Psalms 8 and 107. “And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth (Elijah)” is unique in praising God himself rather than Jesus. However, the Old Testament was generally used to present Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills scripture – such as the use of both Isaiah 7 and Matthew 1 in “All Earth is Hopeful”. Thus, although the Old Testament never mentions Jesus, the source was generally used in eisegesis through Christmas Fest in glorifying both God and Jesus.
New Testament
Within the 81 lines (26%) referencing the New Testament, the Gospel of John stands out as the primary source. This is unsurprising based on its selection as the Gospel Reading, its use in “Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain”, “O Day Full of Grace”, and “Ring Out Ye Crystal Spheres”, and the common references to Jesus as the Word of God (a uniquely Johannine Christology). This Christology portrays Jesus as though he was a preexistent being, the conduit from God to humanity, and one who became human to bring light to the world. The program title Light Dawns, Hope Blooms brings attention to light, as does the references to Jesus as the “light of the world” (John 8:12) who will overcome darkness. This Johannine portrayal emphasizes the overall theme that light overcomes darkness. Light and hope and love will come.
After John, the most prominent book of the New Testament is Luke. Its direct quotations in “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Stay With Us” praise God and urge Jesus to be present with us in Christmas Fest. “Stay With Us” and “Beautiful Savior” in particular create and atmosphere of breathless awe and spiritual intensity. Despite the fact that the “Beautiful Savior” text is not clearly tied to a specific Biblical text, it brings Christmas Fest to a close, and brings many in its audience and musicians alike close to tears.
Christological Titles
“Beautiful Savior” is a perfect example of Christological titles used, but without reference to specific books of the Bible:
Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be thine!
Over the course of Christmas Fest we give praise to Jesus through these Bible references, Christological titles, and other meaningful words (such as “glory and honor, praise, adoration”). Even where words may not be easily identifiable as references, the titles are also rich in their portrayal of Jesus, and other lines can proclaim equally strong messages.
For example, Lord is the most commonly used title for Jesus by a large margin. He holds dominion over all, and is exalted just as God is exalted. However, Lord as well as King christologies play into the post-colonial portrayal of Jesus as oppressor, as we’ve read through articles of black, liberation, and other “contextual” theologies. Christians have thought they have a right to dominion over other peoples, which has brought about much suffering and inequalities. So, this is a mixed bag of positive and negative connotations.
More positive terminologies used in Christmas Fest include Word and Flesh, discussed in relation to John 1 above. His titles as Christ, Emmanuel, and Savior are strongly messianic – the use of the word Christ itself directly denotes Jesus’ Messiahship, Emmanuel harkens to Isaiah 7:14 in prophecy fulfillment, and Savior suggests the eschatological view that Jesus will save us all. Through Jesus, “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23/Isaiah 7:14), and God’s kingdom will come.
Limits
Of course, this study in musical and textual links is not perfectly comprehensive; all of the words sung and read at Christmas Fest are important, and all music sung at Christmastime or in general sacred worship are indubitably just as valid in their importance. For example, “green and silver, red and gold” from “This Christmastide” emphasizes color symbolism and brings back fond memories of colorful decorations, outfits, and packages during the holiday season. There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of other hymns sung in many different faith traditions. And, the Christmas Fest experience is unique to each musician and each audience member; no one person will be effected in exactly the same way. However, one of the beautiful things about music is its ability to touch every single listener. Despite the individual component, every person in the room felt the breathless atmosphere, and every musician created beauty together.
Conclusion
After studying the Biblical and liturgical basis for the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, I have found that the most important Christological portrait from that experience was the Johannine portrayal of Jesus as the “light of the world” (John 8:12). He is truly with us as God’s Word, and brings light to overcome the darkness. As the title says, “Light Dawns, Hope Blooms” – despite darkness and hardships, there is always light and hope to be found. We must find peace, love, and hope in this world.
Christology in Music 