Sing We Now of Christmas

“Sing We Now of Christmas” is a joyful French carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with exuberant praise and repeated calls to sing “Noel.” Originating in France and commonly associated with the sixteenth century, the carol reflects the strong tradition of festive Christmas song that combined theological truth with accessible, memorable melody. The English version commonly sung today preserves the spirit of the original while making it suitable for congregational worship.

The text proclaims the incarnation as a cause for universal rejoicing. Christ’s birth is presented not merely as a historical event, but as the decisive moment when God’s promise of salvation entered the world in human flesh. Drawing especially from Luke’s account of the nativity, the carol invites singers to join the shepherds and angels in announcing the good news of great joy.

A key feature of the carol is its emphasis on praise as the proper response to Christ’s coming. The repeated exhortation to sing reflects the biblical pattern seen throughout Scripture, where God’s mighty acts lead naturally to worship. The refrain of “Noel” underscores the celebratory nature of the incarnation and connects the song to centuries of Christian worship during the Christmas season.

Theologically, the carol affirms the identity of the child born in Bethlehem as the Lord and Savior. While the tone is light and joyful, the message is rooted in the profound truth that God has drawn near to redeem His people. The incarnation is portrayed as both wondrous and gracious, calling believers to respond with glad hearts and lifted voices.

“Sing We Now of Christmas” continues to be cherished as a carol that unites doctrinal clarity with festive joy. Its lively melody and Christ-centered text make it especially fitting for Christmas services, reminding the church that the birth of Christ is worthy of joyful proclamation and enduring praise.