Devotional 12-13-12

From 52 Hymn Story Devotions, Lucy Neeley Adams, Abingdon Press, Nashville, comes this story of the hymn, "Go Tell It On The Mountain".

"You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain....Lift up your voice with a shout.....say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God!'" (Isa. 40:9, NIV)

The carolers in our town who sing from door to door often sound like a band of angels. One Christmas, in the midst of feverish preparations in the kitchen, I heard them on my front porch, singing one of my favorite hymns, "Go Tell It on the Mountain." " Go Tell It on the Mountain" was printed in a 1907 publication by Thomas Fenner, Original Folk songs of the Negro as Sung on the Plantation. It was then entitled "Christmas Plantation Song." The original verses have been deleted from modern hymnals.

Two verses were added by John W. Work, Jr., a history professor at Fisk University. His son, John W. Work, III, was the author of American Negro Songs and Spirituals(1940), which gives significant insights into the origins of the spirituals. He says, "Many of them were passed down from generation to generation, and after much singing, the texts and melodies varied from place to place. But the gospel message was always proclaimed."

The gospel message of Jesus is certainly proclaimed by those who sing this carol. We are reminded of his words in Matthew 28:19: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."

Our family will never forget the sermon my husband, Woody, preached on Christmas of 1994, "Where Does God Fit In?" A child had asked that question when he looked at the manager scene.

He had heard that God did something wonderful at Christmas, but he didn't see God in the manger.

Our son-in-law Edward, a nonbeliever, shared with us the good news of the birth of Jesus in his own heart. He joyfully said, "Life will never be the same again. I saw Dad's enthusiasm as he preached. Now I understand where God fits in. He was in the manger---as baby Jesus."

We were reminded that thousands of years ago the prophet Isaiah said, "Lift up your voice with a shout! Say, 'Here is your God!'" the glorious message never changes.

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere:
go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.

African American spiritual: adapt. by John W. Work, Jr., 1907

Submitted by
Kay Lewis