Music has the power to immediately evoke a time, a place, and a memory even beyond the text's meaning. Certainly this is true of Christmas carols. Howell takes us on a delightful journey into the heart, history, and meaning of these songs in a way that deepens our experience of them in unexpected and unforgettable ways. We fall in love with them, and with the mystery of this season, all over again. --Dr. Marcia McFeeCreator and Visionary, Worship Design StudioJames Howell took me to the most familiar Advent/Christmas hymns and songs-- ones I have sung for years--and made me pay attention in a whole new way. "The cattle are lowing" is a new image in my mind after reading how St. Francis created the first manger scene.

I want to sing with the angels, worship with the shepherds, bow before my Lord Jesus, and follow him this Advent in a deeper way. Read this book. Your imagination will be stirred, your heart moved, your feet led in new ways!--Leighton FordPresbyterian minister, author, mentor, and president, Leighton Ford MinistriesThere is something alluring, even magical, when through music "God imparts to human hearts" the joy of Christmas, of Christ. James Howell is a wonderfully gifted writer and a talented musician as well. I can think of no one better to write a book like this for us all to help us ponder more "the hopes and fears of all the years." Highly recommended.--Dr. Ben Witherington IIIAmos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary.