The church is quiet now, even though the pews are brimming with people. Anticipation fills the air; the service is nearly over. One by one, little white candles spread their warm glow across the dim sanctuary. Hushed voices join in unison, singing out:

Silent night, Holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin, mother and child

Holy infant, tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace

Perhaps this scene—a beloved Christmas Eve memory—is familiar to you. As much as we enjoy decorating the tree, watching Christmas movies and unwrapping presents, there’s something special about singing carols at Christmastime. These familiar songs draw our eyes to the newborn Christ, preparing our hearts to receive him with love and joy.

Did you know that the world’s earliest recorded Christmas carols aren’t found in a hymnal, but in the Bible? The first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel are bursting with Christmas music. Young women, old men and heavenly angels cry out to God in song, praising him for the incredible gift of Jesus, the newborn king.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, consider reading through the Bible’s “original” Christmas carols, perhaps with family and friends or in a small group. Here are three songs from Luke’s Gospel to get you started:

Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-55)

“My heart praises the Lord;

my soul is glad because of God my Savior,

for he has remembered me, his lowly servant!

From now on all people will call me happy,

because of the great things the Mighty God has done for me.

His name is holy;

from one generation to another

he shows mercy to those who honor him.

He has stretched out his mighty arm

and scattered the proud with all their plans.

He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and sent the rich away with empty hands.

He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors,

and has come to the help of his servant Israel.

He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham

and to all his descendants forever!”

Zechariah’s Song (Luke 1:68-75)

“Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel!

He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.

He has provided for us a mighty Savior,

a descendant of his servant David.

He promised through his holy prophets long ago

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the power of all those who hate us.

He said he would show mercy to our ancestors

and remember his sacred covenant.

With a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham

he promised to rescue us from our enemies

and allow us to serve him without fear,

so that we might be holy and righteous before him

all the days of our life.

The Angels’ Song (Luke 2:14)

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

For more Scripture-based Christmas activities, be sure to visit American Bible Society’s online Bible Resource Center.