There are so many wonderful Christmas hymns in our hymnal that get used every year as the Christmas season makes its appearance. You are sure to sing “Hark the Herald Angles Sing”, “What Child is This”, “Angels We Have Heard on High, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, and is it really Christmas is you don’t sing “Silent Night” while holding a drippy candle in a dark church? But over the last several years, I have developed a fondness for one of the lesser known Christmas carols. It’s called “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt.” The plaintive tune and simple lyrics bring home the message of Christmas in a beautifully personal way.
A Hymn for Epiphany Day
The first verse of the hymn goes like this, “Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel’s word, I come in half belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred, but there is room and welcome there for me, but there is room and welcome there for me.” Although it’s a Christmas hymn I think it captures the meaning of Epiphany very nicely. Jesus came not just for the faithful Jews who were waiting for him but for all people–Jew, Gentile, sinner, saint, magi, king, peasant, and me. That’ what we celebrate on Epiphany and rejoice in throughout the whole year!
Resources for Elementary Grades
Are you looking for a new Epiphany resource? Something a little than a star or a crown? Take a look at this Epiphany flip book! It does a beautiful job of laying out the story of the visit from the magi with simple text and engaging pictures. They are fun to put together and flip through and also make great hallway decorations. Celebrate Epiphany with a flip book today this year!
If you are looking for more ready-to-use resources for your students, check them out in my store.
Looking for related articles? Check out:
12 Wonderful Christian Christmas Activities for Kids
3 People at the Very First Christmas
3 Excellent Advent Songs for Kids – Teach by Faith
Looking for more related articles from other authors? Check out:
Epiphany Activities and Ideas: Creative Ways to Celebrate the Season
