Christmas Carols

We are still within the confines of the Christmas season, and that means in most Christian Churches across the world, carols are still in vogue. Now, everyone I know has their favorite carols; some, I dare say, are just all time classics.  Who does not feel warm and fuzzy listening to a children's choir sing "Silent Night" in English or German?  And a rousing "O Come, All Ye Faithful" is a sure-fire winner in getting the gathered congregation to rise from their languishing sitting positions to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and anyone else in the nearby vicinity.

But there are others that may not be as well known, but have become personal favorites. Here are a few:

1. "Angles from the Realms of Glory" was written by the Scottish poet James Montgomery.  It was recorded by Annie Lennox on the album, A Christmas Cornucopia" You can listen to it here as sung by a church choir form the Mid-West.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-paqePRfRc8 

2."Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" is a German carol from the 16th century which is a favorite of
Lutherans and Episcopalians alike.  It has a nice lilting melody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYecrfQjEJU

3. "The Carol of the Bells" is a favorite of my son's...he likes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's rendition, which is ironic since the tune itself is from a Ukrainian folk song welcoming in the New Year. This is a relatively contemporary carol. It was introduced to this country in 1921. Here is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's version.  I liked it better than the Mormon Tabernacle choir, but you can decide.  I am linking them both here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCabI3MdV9g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-W2Bkz_Rno

4. "The Snow lay on the Ground" is set to a traditional Irish tune.  I just think it is a lovely carol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvJ0IJGxWdY


5. "O Holy Night" is a very popular carol, but often difficult to sing.  Its tune was written by Adolph Adams in around 1846 in France.  A Unitarian minister, John Sullivan Dwight, wrote the English words based on the Franch.  The best recording I have ever heard of it was done by Josh Groban.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIFH0TUWcBA