“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”
Today we begin a series “Considering Carols At Advent” in which we will consider the words and meaning of a mixture of Christmas carols, both ancient and modern. I must admit I am quite excited by this devotional study of carols, which is remarkable in that I spent most of my early life disliking and avoiding carols. As is often the case with us, God had other ideas for my relationship with these sanctified songs – giving me a burden, and yes…a love for many of them.
The first carol I write about, “The Calypso Carol,” is certainly not your traditional carol. Many of you may not have heard of it. I first came across this in primary school (1972-78) during Christmas concerts; it certainly was far different from the traditional carols I had grown up with. It has been said by some critics it is too jaunty, but I do not agree with this at all. There is room for both holy reflection and also for joyful praise. If there is one thing we should be joyful about, it is the Son of God coming to earth to save us!
The words and music of today’s carol were written by an Englishman, Michael Perry, while he was a student at Oak Hill Theological College in 1964. Perry became one of the UK’s leading contemporary hymn writers, but “The Calypso Carol” remained his most popular work. Perry originally wrote the song for a college carol concert, and Cliff Richard included the song to replace a missing recording in a show he was producing for the BBC. It grew in popularity and was included in the 1969 songbook Youth Praise 2.
Dear Reader, “The Calypso Carol” is far more than a jaunty song to sing with gusto – it is a meditation upon the reason for the season of Christmas. In it, we find the awesome reality of the Son of God coming in human frailty to pave the way to Redemption for lost humanity. The angels sang, and the shepherds marveled at the sight of Salvation in the flesh. The final verse looks forward to a cross outside Jerusalem; the destination and purpose of this innocent baby – as the Lord and Savior He provides freedom from sin and hope in an eternity with Him in Heaven. That is the real reason for the season; the best gift of all!
See him lying on a bed of straw:
a draughty stable with an open door;
Mary cradling the babe she bore
the prince of glory is his name.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
