Stark pastors, church musicians cite favorite Christmas carols

One of the most important traditions of the Christmas season is music.

Many Christmas carols have transcended centuries.

"One of my most favorite Christmas hymns is the plainsong chant 'Divinum Mysterium (Of the Father’s Love Begotten),'" said Robert "Bobby" Sullivan, organist and director of music and liturgy for St. Peter and the Basilica of St. John Catholic churches in Canton. "This hymn originated from the text of 'Corde natus ex parentis,' which has been the source of stanzas of many hymns. Excerpts have been used in breviaries in Spain and Britain since medieval times."

Sullivan said the chant's text dates back to the 13th century.

"It simply announces, one, what is to come; two, the blessed birth of the Savior; three, the exultation of the angels and people; and four (an optional stanza), our constant praises to Christ," Sullivan said. "It can be executed serenely all the way through, or begin softly and build to a grand, last stanza (British style). This text brings me to tears often ... it certainly makes us remember exactly what Christmas is about."

In 2017, Sullivan organized a "Sing-A-Long Messiah" event at the basilica in which the public was invited to perform Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," a popular Christmas staple.

Maiharriese Wooden, community engagement director at First Christian Church in Plain Township and creator of the Stark County Blessing Box, said she loves Kirk Franklin & the Family's rendition of "Now Behold the Lamb."

"It reminds me of the love of God for all humanity; the sacrifice he made for us," she said.

The Rev. Keith Brown, senior pastor of New Way United Methodist Church in Navarre, cited "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" after researching its history.

The roots of the English carol go back to the 16th century, when the Protestant leader Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas caroling (1647-1660). During the Victorian era, laypeople worked to revive the old songs by singing them while visiting door-to-door.

"It's one of my favorite ones just because of the story behind it," he said. "I did a presentation after researching it. The story behind it was there was one night during the year that the poor could ask the rich for anything. It's a strange tradition, but that's how it played out."

Brown said the lyrics "Now, bring us some figgy pudding" and "We won't go until we get some," are based on that tradition.

"Outside of that, 'Silent Night' is pretty striking, too," he said.

'It reminds me of my childhood'

The Rev. Robin Woodberry, rector of historic St. Paul' Episcopal Church in Canton names "Silent Night" as one of her favorites, too.

"I feel it captures the gift God gave us, and the beauty of it," she said. "It connects us to God because it talks about a 'holy night.' There's so much commercialism in Christmas these days."

Barbara Gaskell, owner of St. Raphael Books & Gifts, which also houses radio station WILB, favors "O Holy Night."

"It is a magnificent hymn that captures the essence of the Christmas celebration," Gaskell said. "It is the night of the dear Savior's birth. I love the line, 'Long lay the world in sin and error pining.'"

It also happens to be a favorite of Bishop David Bonnar, head of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

"Bishop Bonnar loves a wide variety of Christmas music, and his favorite is 'O Holy Night,'" said Justin Huyck, director of communications for the diocese. "In fact, as a great singer himself, he has been known to sing this song before Christmas Night Mass, both as a pastor and as a bishop."

The Rev. Michel A. Pressley Sr., senior pastor of the Mount Zion Church of God in Christ in Canton lists Nat King Cole's timeless rendition of "The Christmas Song."

"It gets me in the mood for the holidays," he said. "His voice is so silky smooth. It reminds me of my childhood."

Walsh University President Tim Collins favors "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

The song written by Kim Gannon and recorded by Crosby in 1943, became part of the soundtrack of World War II.

"This song was so meaningful to me during my time serving in the U.S. Air Force," Collins said. "Away from home so much, and fighting. The Bing Crosby version is amazing."

'The lyrics are just perfect'

Stephanie Burns, a professional vocalist and worship director at Trinity Baptist Church in North Canton, said it's hard for her to narrow her choice to just one carol.

"While it is very difficult for me to choose, I would have to say that my favorite Christmas Carol is "O Holy Night,'" she said. "Not only do I love the song musically speaking, but the lyrics are just perfect. They address our need for a Savior, and the hope that we have because of the birth of Jesus Christ."

The song, which celebrates humankind's redemption through the birth of Christ, is based on "Cantique de Noel," a French poem written by Placide Cappeau, an atheist who was commissioned to write it in 1843. It was set to music by Adolphe Adam, a secular Jew, in 1847. John Sullivan Dwight, an American abolitionist and Unitarian pastor, translated the lyrics to English in 1855.

"In a world that does truly feel weary at times, that 'thrill of hope' that God provided for all of us through the gift of his son is what makes Christmas my absolute favorite time of year," Burns said. "'O Holy Night' puts me in the right mindset and ready for the season of celebrating the greatest gift ever: Jesus Christ, the 'Light of the World. '"

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark pastors, church musicians cite favorite Christmas carols