Hymns must teach core doctrine with clarity; increase faith in, and worship of, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; comfort the weary; inspire church members to endure in faith; invite joyful sing ...
The 13th century saw St. Francis of Assisi introducing joyful hymns during his nativity plays, making carols a central feature of Christmas worship. Classics like "Silent Night", composed in 1818 ...
It was William Cummings who, in 1855, ignored both their suggestions, put Wesley’s text with Mendelssohn’s music, and created one of the most joyful and beloved Christmas hymns.