December 20

136 Go, Tell It on the Mountain

While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.

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


The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.
Refrain

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,
And God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.
Refrain

Devotion

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina – there’s just something about mountains that draws me in and lifts me up. As I reflect on this carol, I find that there are many similarities between mountains and the Advent season.

Anticipation: As I approach the mountains, through the foothills, I look ahead to the towering ranges (or worn-down ridges) in anticipation of the climb. As I begin the ascent, I wonder if the top is just around the next bend—are we there yet?

Exhaustion: Sometimes the climb is longer or steeper than expected, and I must take a break, a deep breath, before continuing to the top. It is often in these quiet moments that I discover a beautiful view, quiet glade, or exquisite wild flower to sweeten the way.

Exhilaration: As I reach the peak of my climb, I stop to take it all in—the wonder of the view, the fulfillment of an objective, the joy of the moment, and the ultimate “mountain-top” experience. The miracle of a babe born in a stable and laid in a manger… the Prince of Peace.

Jane Dunbar

Prayer

Creator God spoke and the mountains, valleys, rivers, and all that lives therein were created. As we anticipate your arrival in human form, may we experience your nourishing spirit in moments of exhaustion, and may our hearts skip with exhilaration as incarnation draws near. Amen.