Now Let Us Sing

Song Meaning

This carol immediately establishes a tone of jubilant celebration, urging listeners to "sing with joy and mirth" to honor the birth of "our Lorde." The lyrics frame this event as a profound act of divine love and sacrifice, emphasizing Christ's "humanity" and his willingness to "die" for humanity's salvation. The opening verses set up a stark contrast between a state of being "forlorn" due to Adam's sin and the liberation offered by the birth of Christ Jesus. The central tension revolves around the concept of freedom from spiritual captivity. The lyrics repeatedly highlight how Christ's birth and subsequent sacrifice "freed us from captivity" and "vanquished has our enemy." This narrative of redemption is further reinforced by the image of the "angles sang with merriness" to shepherds, announcing "good comfort" and "Christes new nativity." The repetition of this phrase underscores the monumental significance of the event. The craft of the lyrics relies heavily on direct theological assertions and a clear binary of sin versus salvation. The repeated phrase "For Christes new nativity" acts as a powerful refrain, hammering home the central message of hope and renewal. Furthermore, the lyrics employ a direct address, speaking to "you" and explaining how "this babe" will "make you safe" and "restore to liberty." This personal appeal, combined with the stark declaration that "this babe for you did shed his blood," creates a sense of intimate connection to the divine narrative. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their unwavering focus on the transformative power of Christ's birth and sacrifice. By contrasting the fallen state of humanity with the grace offered through this divine event, the lyrics provide a clear and compelling message of hope and redemption. The straightforward language and repeated affirmations of liberation and salvation aim to inspire a deep sense of gratitude and spiritual comfort in the listener.