The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news! – Mark 1:15

I looked at the most popular Christmas carols we sing today to see what the authors thought was happening when Jesus came. Here are some generalizations….

In the 1700’s, they recognized the coming of the King and kingdom to dethrone Satan and rule the world.

• 1710: O Come, O Come Emmanuel “free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny”
• 1719: Joy to the World “Let earth receive her King; He rules the world”
• 1739: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing “Glory to the newborn King; Bruise in us the serpent’s head”
• 1744: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus “Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring”
• 1751: O Come, All Ye Faithful “Joyful and triumphant; Born the King of angels”
• 1760: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen “To save us all from Satan’s power”

Through most of the 1800’s, they were less about the kingdom, but still about the King.

• 1816: Angels, from the Realms of Glory “Worship Christ, the new­born king”
• 1818: Silent Night “Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Saviour is born!”
• 1823: The First Noel “Born is the King of Israel”
• 1843: O Holy Night “Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!”
• 1849: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear “Heaven’s all-gracious King”
• 1857: We Three Kings “King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign”
• 1862: Angels We Have Heard on High “Christ the Lord, the newborn King”

In the late 1800’s, they were less about God’s kingdom or explicitly proclaiming Jesus as King.

• 1863: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day “Peace on earth, good-will to men!”
• 1865: What Child is This? “This, this is Christ the King”
• 1867: O Little Town of Bethlehem “And praises sing to God the King,
    And peace to men on earth”
• 1879: Go Tell It on the Mountain “That Jesus Christ is born”
• 1887: Away in a Manger “Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay”

I think the 1700’s view is closer to what the Bible authors were expecting, like Isaiah 9:6-7

• “For to us a child is born,
      to us a son is given,
      and the government will be on his shoulders.
  And he will be called
      Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  ⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
      there will be no end.
  He will reign on David’s throne
      and over his kingdom,
  establishing and upholding it
      with justice and righteousness
      from that time on and forever.”